The Transformation of Indigenous Power: A Study on the Role of Village Elders in the Social Life of Ethnic Minorities in Vietnam's Central Highlands after 1975

After 1975, modernization and state administrative policies significantly weakened the traditional authority of the Già làng (village elder) in ethnic minority communities in the Central Highlands. Previously, the Già làng not only served as a community leader but also as a guardian of indigenous cultural values. However, state intervention, combined with the influences of education, media, and urbanization, gradually shifted their role from a central governing figure to that of a cultural and spiritual advisor. This study not only analyzes the transformation of the Già làng's authority in Vietnam but also compares it with similar models in Southeast Asia, particularly in Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar. These countries have also experienced the decline of indigenous leadership due to administrative centralization and the integration of ethnic minority groups into national governance structures. Regional comparisons help identify similarities and differences in the transformation of indigenous power, providing key insights for cultural preservation efforts. Additionally, the study highlights the impact of the generational gap, as younger generations increasingly distance themselves from traditional power structures under the influence of modern education, the widespread use of social media, and urbanization. These factors have diminished the influence of the Già làng in community life while posing challenges for the preservation and transmission of indigenous cultural values. Based on the research findings, this paper proposes several key policy recommendations: (1) strengthening the role of the Già làng in local governance through consultation mechanisms and advisory councils; (2) reforming education to integrate indigenous cultural elements into curricula; (3) protecting land use rights of ethnic minority communities to maintain traditional living spaces; (4) encouraging the participation of the Già làng in community activities to enhance social cohesion; and (5) promoting cooperation between local governments and international organizations to support cultural preservation efforts. These recommendations not only aim to sustain the role of the Già làng but also contribute to the sustainable development of ethnic minority communities in the Central Highlands in the context of modernization and globalization. Received: 5 January 2025 / Accepted: 22 February 2025 / Published: 02 March 2025