TAIPEI (TVBS News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) expressed gratitude to Indigenous athletes representing Taiwan on the international stage, such as those participating in the Olympic Games Paris 2024, on Thursday (Aug. 1). He also acknowledged the contributions of Indigenous people in various sectors, including the military, police, firefighting, healthcare, and education.
The Council of Indigenous Peoples (原住民族委員會, CIP) hosted the first-ever National Indigenous Policy Summit (全國原住民族政策高峰會) to mark Indigenous People's Day (原住民族日) in Taiwan on the same day.
President Lai emphasized that Indigenous culture completes Taiwan's cultural mosaic and is a valuable global asset. He reiterated the National Project of Hope's (國家希望工程) key focuses in Indigenous areas, including revitalizing Indigenous languages and improving health in accordance with the Indigenous Peoples Health Act (原住民族健康法).
CIP Minister Ljaucu Zingrur (曾智勇) highlighted that 11 Indigenous athletes competed in the Olympics this year and that about half of professional baseball players are Indigenous people.
President Lai further noted that the National Project of Hope aims to foster Indigenous talent, and stressed the importance of these initiatives in preserving and promoting indigenous heritage and well-being.
