This September, Miri will play host to the inaugural Indigenous Exchange Festival (IXF), a celebration of Indigenous voices, stories, and creativity from Borneo and around the world
Happening from 12 to 14 September, the three-day event promises to be more than just a festival. It's a bold new space where tradition meets modern storytelling, and where Indigenous culture takes centre stage as the main event.
Curated by a collective of Indigenous practitioners and their allies, IXF is designed to honour intergenerational knowledge and cultural expression through an immersive programme of panels, performances, exhibitions, workshops, and more.
From dance and music to tattoos, visual arts, poetry, film, and even a traditional Tamu (market), the festival's lineup reflects the rich diversity and depth of Indigenous cultures across the region and beyond
Among the headliners is Eko Supriyanto, an internationally acclaimed Indigenous dancer from Kalimantan who once performed on Madonna's Drowned World Tour.
"This festival offers a meaningful opportunity to return to our shared island and reconnect with our people… I'm especially looking forward to leading a dance workshop — a space for expression, connection, and celebration," said Supriyanto.
Also joining are:
- Yosifu Kacaw, a globally recognised Amis artist from Taiwan known for his bold, identity-rooted artwork
- Velvet Aduk, a Dusun singer from Sabah returning to her roots with a new album in her native language
- Mathew Ngau Jau, Malaysia's Living National Heritage and Sape' Master
- Filmmakers Nadira Ilana and Sarah Lois Dorai
- Hanim Apeng, a talented Jakun-Jahut artisan from Selangor
This festival was born from a desire to create something meaningful, where Indigenous voices aren't just featured, but truly celebrated
"I've always said: if you want to understand us, come here. Walk with us. Listen. Share in our lives. That's how real understanding begins.
"IXF is that opportunity to experience it all. Across three days, we are offering a powerful programme filled with meaningful conversations, Indigenous voices, and the chance for genuine connection and collaboration," shared Juvita Tatan Wan, a Kenyah from Long San, Co-founder of Tuyang Initiative and Executive Producer of IXF.
Joining Juvita in shaping IXF's vision is Poh, co-founder of The Culture Capital and Creative Director of IXF, "Here is a platform that places Indigenous Cultures, both locally and globally, on a stage that will be hard to ignore. This is a space for conversations, reflections, and discussions on ideas and topics that have shaped and will continue to shape communities."
IXF is more than a festival — it is a movement that champions Indigenous-led storytelling and cultural expression
Submissions are now open for works in the following categories: Film, Commercial, Music, Songwriting, Art & Design, and Artisan Crafts.
Submit your work or recommend someone via the official website.
Early bird tickets for IXF are available until 1 August, so hurry and get yours now!
Here are the ticket prices:
Check out the IXF website for more updates and to be part of the movement
