President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) attended a meeting of nationwide indigenous peoples in Kaohsiung Exhibition Center on Tuesday in celebration of Taiwan’s Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
In Tsai’s opening remarks, she mentioned her formal apology to the indigenous peoples on behalf of the government seven years ago, and said that it does not mark the end of redressing the injustices inflicted upon indigenous peoples in history.
In 2017, The Indigenous Historical Justice and Transitional Justice Committee was organized to rebuild historical narratives, preserve cultural heritage, and revitalize native languages. The government has consulted with specialized scholars and indigenous tribes for their opinions in future policy-making. Multiple legislations have also been carried out to further protect entitlements to ancestral lands, provide culturally informed long-term services, and ameliorate the health care inequality of the indigenous peoples.
The President said that her administration has created meaningful dialogues and she hopes that collaborations will continue to implement indigenous peoples’ rights and realize prosperity and harmony for different ethnic groups in Taiwan.
August 1st has been designated Taiwan’s Indigenous People’s Day since 2005.