Taiwan’s indigenous people have launched a campaign for their hunting rights, a tradition they said has long been misunderstood by society.
Their call came Tuesday as justices were holding a debate over the constitutional interpretation of a case involving a man from the Puyuma tribe. The man was sentenced to three and a half years in prison after shooting protected animals in 2013.
In front of the Judicial Yuan in Taipei and in the eastern county of Taitung, indigenous people demonstrated for their hunting rights. Around a bonfire, they sang traditional music and chanted “Free to enter the mountains!” Their demand? Hunting should be allowed as it is a cultural tradition.
Puyuma tribesman Pan Diao-chih said he hopes justices will listen to their voices as indigenous culture has long been suppressed and that includes traditional activities like hunting.
For indigenous people, hunting is not only a sacred act but also seen as a blessing from deities and ancestors. Striking a balance between their traditional culture and gun control laws will be a delicate matter for the government.