The Executive Yuan today passed draft amendments to the Status Act for Indigenous Peoples that, if approved by the Legislature, would officially recognize Pingpu communities as indigenous peoples.
Drafted by the Council of Indigenous Peoples (CIP), the amended act adds a new classification to recognize members of Pingpu communities, a move that implements President Tsai Ing-wen's indigenous policy concepts and fulfils her promise of government recognition for the Pingpu groups, many of whom have waited long years for the official status. Premier Lin Chuan asked the council to communicate actively with all legislative caucuses to complete the amendment process at an early date.
The CIP said the Pingpu ethnic groups have waited more than two decades to be recognized as Taiwanese indigenous peoples. In her August 1, 2016 formal apology to the indigenous peoples, the president pledged that the government would examine relevant laws so that Pingpu ethnic group identity will receive the rights and status it deserves. The amendments were therefore drafted as part of this effort to restore historical justice and take practical action in today's society.