“We do not care” - exploring community residents' cultural identity with the ecomuseum in the case of the Soga community

Located in a rural village in the Liuzhi Special Zone in Guizhou of Chian, where the local Longhorn Miao people lived, the Soga ecomuseum also serves as a repository of culture and heritage, and aims to introduce residents and visitors to the unique historical and cultural landscape. However, despite its objectives, there seems to be a disconnect between the ecomuseum's initiatives and the engagement of local villagers. This study investigates the reasons for this indifference, focusing on issues of cultural identity and recognition. Through fieldwork and interviews, it explores the villagers' perspectives on the ecomuseum, revealing a complex interplay of economic, social and cultural factors that contribute to their lack of active participation. The findings highlight the need for more inclusive practices that could bridge the gap between the goals of the ecomuseum and the needs of the local community, and suggest that conflict arises not only from a lack of awareness, but also from deeper concerns about identity and belonging.