The lake is home to three predominant ethnic groups: Shan, Kachin and Burmese. There are ten villages directly on the water and thirty-seven within the valley. Each of the three groups is unique and features different languages, cultures and religions. As a result of this diversity, the area has had a complex and sometimes contentious history. What ties them together is their reliance on the lake.
As Myanmar gets thrusted into this age of modernization, we find it especially important to preserve the local customs unique to Indawgyi Lake. These range from different cuisines, traditional medicines, architecture, music, crafts and textiles. We not only want to record these practices, but ensure that they get carried on to the next generation.