Song Shuixian: Alleviate poverty with ethnic culture industry

Song discusses with Shi about promoting ethnic culture via video chat. [Photo/ddcpc.cn]

In preparation for the third session of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC), which will commence on May 22 in Beijing, Song Shuixian and Shi Liping, Guizhou's deputies to the NPC, have been formulating a proposal to protect ethnic culture.

Song and Shi plan to build a provincial-level ethnic handicraft brand to help more people increase their income, and contribute to rural revitalization.

Since attending the NPC session in 2018, Song has handed in proposals to build a Sui ethnic group museum and has also applied for world heritage status for the language of the Sui ethnic group.

This year, based on previous research and investigations, Song wrote six proposals in areas such as enhancing ethnic cultural education and inheritance, and supporting the development of a characteristic cultural industry of ethnic products.

Song shows off cloth with Mawei embroidery, which will be brought to the NPC session with her. [Photo/ddcpc.cn]

Song is also an owner of a Mawei (ponytail) embroidery company. Due to the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak, the company tried to present, promote and sell Mawei embroidery products online - and received positive responses.

To attract more young people to get involved in Sui ethnic culture products, Song wishes to set regular activities or courses in kindergartens, primary and middle schools to allow the children learn about ethnic culture.

Song also hopes universities and colleges will offer courses related to ethnic culture, and enhance cooperation with companies to cultivate talents in the creative and cultural industries.