President Begins Reconciliation Process With Apology to Taiwan’s Indigenous People

President Tsai Ing-wen welcomes aboriginal representatives to the Presidential Palace August 1, 2016

August 1, 2016August 1, 2016 Phillip Charlier 0 Comment Aboriginal reconciliation

Today August 1 has been declared Aboriginal People’s Day in Taiwan, and President Tsai Ing-wen inaugurated the day with an apology speech to Taiwan’s indigenous people. She began her speech by saying “22 years ago the constitution was amended to give the formal title yuan Zhu min (original citizens) to the aboriginal people. Not just to remove discrimination but to recognize them as the original owners of the land. On behalf of the government, I convey to all the aboriginal

Aboriginal protesters in Taipei July 21, 2016

Culture Protest

July 31, 2016August 1, 2016 Phillip Charlier 1 Comment Aboriginal reconciliation, Tsai Ing-wen

Aboriginals gathered outside the Presidential Palace in Taipei tonight, on the eve of August 1, when it is expected that Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen will deliver a speech that includes an apology to Taiwan’s Indigenous people. Riot police set up a cordon on Ketagalan Avenue, and attempted to move the group away. “Who are you to tell us where we can stand,” an indigenous leader proclaimed. “We were here before you, and we will decide where to stand.” The delegation