Want China Times, CNA and Staff Reporter 2014-06-27
Jiang Yi-huah, back center, with members of the newly recognized Hla'alua and Kanakanavu tribes, June 26. (Photo/CNA) |
Taiwan's
Cabinet on Thursday approved the official recognition of the Hla'alua and
Kanakanavu as Taiwan's 15th and 16th indigenous people groups, Premier Jiang
Yi-huah announced in Taipei.
During a
ceremony featuring performances from the two tribes from the southern city of
Kaohsiung, Jiang extended his congratulations for their recognition as distinct
groups.
The
Hla'alua and Kanakanavu were previously grouped with the larger Tsou tribe
native to southern and central Taiwan but have their own languages, social
organization, religious practices and customs.
The two
groups, which have about 400 and 550 members, respectively, filed an
application to be recognized by the Council of Indigenous Peoples in 2012.
The Cabinet
approved the proposals earlier Thursday, citing the spirit of cultural
diversity and the principle of respecting each indigenous group's will to
independent identification, Jiang said.
The premier
noted that other indigenous groups are seeking similar recognition, pledging
that the Executive Yuan will evaluate their applications based on the same
principles.
Taiwan's
indigenous tribes have lived on the island since as long as 15,000 years before
Han settlers from China arrived in the 17th century.
The 14
other indigenous groups currently recognized by the central government are the
Amis, Atayal, Bunun, Kavalan, Paiwan, Puyuma, Rukai, Saisiat, Sakizaya, Seediq,
Thao, Truku, Tsou and Yami.
Related Article:
Zhang Zhijun, chief of Chinese mainland's Taiwan affairs, talks with
people from Atayal tribe in Taiwan (China Xinhua News)
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