J. Christopher Upton’s work examines Taiwan’s Indigenous court units, created in 2013 to address cultural gaps in the national legal system. Through ethnographic research within these courts, the author details how Indigenous litigants strategically present their identities. This presentation manifests through language use, traditional attire, understanding of legal processes, and methods of advocacy. These specialised courts function as “boundary institutions,” showcasing the ways Indigenous communities are actively engaging with and adapting state legal frameworks. The research highlights a dynamic process of negotiation where communities not only navigate the legal system but also challenge and reshape it. Upton’s study reveals the complex interplay between identity, authenticity, and power within Taiwan’s legal landscape.