The presidential candidate of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), Tsai Ing-wen, says if she is elected, she would apologize to the aboriginal peoples on behalf of the government. She also said an apology is needed because this is a way to recognize the oppression suffered by aboriginal peoples.
Tsai made the comments on Saturday, which is also the Indigenous Peoples Day in Taiwan. She said currently, aboriginal peoples are at a disadvantage economically, educationally, and health-wise. She said if she is elected, her government would follow the standards set by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and protect aboriginal peoples’ rights. Tsai also said her government would gradually push for aboriginal autonomy, making tribal groups legal entities.