"Taiwan's indigenous peoples have their own history, spirit and life and deserve respect and affirmation," Premier Jiang Yi-huah said today during a cultural tour of indigenous communities.
Jiang made these particular remarks while visiting the Tafalong tribe in Guangfu Township of Hualien County to learn the progress of the renovation of Kakitann—the Tafalong's sacred center of worship where important rituals are held—and see how aboriginal culture is passed down from generation to generation.
"Treating others with fairness and respect while offering them the assistance they need is key to the co-prosperity and co-existence of Taiwan's culturally pluralistic ethnic groups," Jiang said.
The premier is in the midst of a two-day cultural tour of indigenous communities in Hualien and Taitung counties. Before his afternoon appointment with the Tafalong, for which he was accompanied by Sun Ta-chuan, minister of the Council of Indigenous Peoples (CIP), Jiang visited the Kiwit tribe, then went whitewater rafting on the Xiuguluan River in Hualien's Ruisui Township to experience the charm of sporting combined with indigenous culture.
"I have had unforgettable experiences during this two-day tour," indicated the premier. "This precious land of Taiwan has several different cultural pillars, and Taiwan's 14 indigenous peoples are the core of the island's pluralistic culture. During this in-depth tour, I have not only personally witnessed indigenous people's stunning achievement in developing their own cultural and creative industry but also followed in their footsteps to explore their cultural roots.
"I came to observe the indigenous people's assets as a compatriot, with a sincere and respectful desire to understand them," he continued. "I hope to make a contribution to the revival of their culture and improvement of their quality of life in order to remedy the mistreatment they have suffered for more than a century.
"The roads leading to indigenous tribal communities should be improved; their industries fostered; and the construction of tribal schools and the rejuvenation of cultures planned and supported. Even more importantly, every member of the indigenous peoples should receive the respect he or she deserves."
Jiang then visited an Amis tribal school at Hualien's Dongfu Elementary School, where he exchanged cordial greetings with the students, gave them sun hats, and enjoyed the experience of fishing with a net.
"As Vice Premier last year, I paid special attention to the progress and effectiveness of the CIP's efforts to promote tribal schools," he said afterward. "I hope that such places of learning are established in indigenous areas throughout the country. Language and culture hold the spirit of a people, and if they cannot be preserved, they will die out.
"Taiwan's indigenous languages are fading surprisingly swiftly. Hence, I fervently hope that the CIP's tribal school plan not only is effective but also is quickly implemented so the precious heritage of past generations is transferred to the youth of today."
Jiang then visited the Formosa Indigenous Dance Foundation of Culture and Arts, where he performed a traditional dance together with Amis dancers and sampled indigenous millet wine and vegetable pizza.
"There are further efforts to be made in policy toward indigenous peoples," he said afterward. "Taiwanese aboriginal culture must be vividly displayed. It can be linked with other Austronesian cultures and become recognized as important world cultural heritage.
"The state has to take responsibility for this effort, with the central and local governments and the CIP actively cooperating to promote policies for indigenous people's welfare," he concluded.