The issue of whether the Siraya people’s classification as an indigenous community should be restored is scheduled for deliberation at the Constitutional Court.
Considering the clear historical records available about the Siraya, how could anyone cast doubt on their existence?
This unnecessary controversy over the Siraya arises from the privileges that come with a community’s official recognition. It is caused by the unjust distribution of resources by the Council of Indigenous Peoples, which creates vested interests among some people who do not care about culture or know little about it, and of course these vested interest groups do not want too many
Taitung County councilors have opposed the Siraya’s bid to be recognized as “indigenous peoples in plains areas,” as it might accelerate the Sinicization of indigenous people.
The Constitutional Court yesterday heard an oral argument for the case, whereby the Siraya, one of the Pingpu indigenous groups, requested to be recognized legally.
The Status Act for Indigenous Peoples (原住民身分法) does not recognize the Pingpu, who are unable to obtain indigenous status under the existing law.
Eight Amis, Paiwan and Puyuma councilors, as well as indigenous people from plains areas and mountainous areas, voiced their disapproval of the appeal in a joint statement issued yesterday.
Taitung
/ Staff writer, with CNAA legal provision that grants indigenous status to people with only one indigenous parent based strictly on their name has been declared unconstitutional by the Constitutional Court.
A legal provision that grants indigenous status to people with only one indigenous parent based strictly on their name has been declared unconstitutional by the Constitutional Court.
The court took aim at Article 4, Paragraph 2 of the Status Act for Indigenous Peoples (原住民身分法), which states: “Children of intermarriages between indigenous peoples and non-indigenous peoples taking the surname of the indigenous father or mother, or using the indigenous peoples traditional name shall acquire indigenous peoples status.”
The court said in a statement on Friday that it struck down the clause because it contravened the Constitution’s “intention” to protect indigenous peoples’ right to
Taipei, April 1 (CNA) A legal provision that grants Indigenous status to individuals with one Indigenous and one non-Indigenous parent based strictly on their name has been declared unconstitutional by Taiwan's Constitutional Court.