Hla'alua, Kanakanavu indigenous groups recognized in Taiwan

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.

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