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Heading to Yilan's Indigenous Villages, Lin Kuo-chang Promotes 'Support the Tribes. Care for Indigenous Peoples' Policy

From Liberty Times · (2h ago) Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • DPP candidate for Yilan County Magistrate, Lin Kuo-chang, visited Tayal indigenous communities, promising to implement policies supporting tribal development and indigenous rights.
  • Key policy proposals include ensuring tribal participation and consent in development projects like mining and geothermal power, and fully subsidizing health insurance for indigenous people aged 55 and above.
  • The candidate also pledged to support indigenous schools, cultural revitalization, language preservation through digital archiving and teaching, and promoting cultural eco-tourism to create job opportunities for returning youth.

Liberty Times, as a staunch supporter of democratic values and the rights of all citizens, views Lin Kuo-chang's engagement with the Tayal indigenous communities in Yilan as a crucial step towards inclusive governance. The candidate's 'Support the Tribes, Care for Indigenous Peoples' policy platform directly addresses long-standing issues faced by Taiwan's first peoples.

Mining, geothermal power generation, or tourism development should all implement mechanisms for tribal participation and consent.

— Lin Kuo-changStating his policy on development projects in indigenous areas.

Lin Kuo-chang's commitment to ensuring tribal participation and consent in development projects is particularly noteworthy. For too long, indigenous territories have been subject to resource extraction and development without adequate consultation, leading to environmental degradation and cultural disruption. His promise to involve communities in decisions regarding mining, geothermal energy, and tourism development reflects a growing understanding that sustainable development must be equitable and respectful of indigenous rights and traditional lands.

Promote full subsidy for health insurance premiums for indigenous people aged 55 and above in Yilan County to reduce the burden on families.

— Lin Kuo-changAnnouncing a specific welfare policy for indigenous elders.

The focus on social welfare, such as the full subsidy for health insurance for indigenous elders aged 55 and above, directly tackles disparities in healthcare access. Furthermore, the emphasis on cultural preservation—through supporting indigenous schools, revitalizing traditional practices, and promoting language education via digital archiving—is vital for safeguarding Taiwan's rich cultural heritage. These initiatives are not merely symbolic; they are essential for empowering indigenous communities and ensuring their cultural continuity.

Indigenous people's traditional territories and cultures should not be overlooked during the development process.

— Lin Kuo-changEmphasizing the importance of respecting indigenous rights in development.

From our perspective at Liberty Times, this is more than just an election campaign stop; it's a recognition of the indigenous peoples' rightful place in Taiwan's society and political landscape. While Western media might focus on the electoral dynamics, we highlight the substance of policies aimed at rectifying historical injustices and fostering genuine partnership. Lin Kuo-chang's platform offers a vision where development benefits all, respecting the unique identities and rights of Taiwan's indigenous populations.

Indigenous policies cannot be election slogans; they must start from the needs of the tribes.

— Lin Kuo-changAsserting his commitment to practical, community-driven policies.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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