Siraya gain recognition as Taiwan’s 17th official Indigenous group
In a significant milestone, the Siraya people of Taiwan have won legal recognition from the government as the island’s 17th officially designated Indigenous group. In late July, the Siraya were the first Indigenous people from Taiwan’s lowland plains, or Pingpu, to gain official status under the Pingpu Indigenous Peoples Status Act. The law, passed in […]
The government of Taiwan has officially recognized the Siraya people as the island’s 17th Indigenous group, marking a significant milestone for the community. The Siraya, who have long faced forced assimilation by colonial powers, secured their status under the Pingpu Indigenous Peoples Status Act passed in October 2025. This recognition follows the Siraya becoming the first Indigenous group from Taiwan’s lowland plains, or Pingpu, to achieve official status in late July.
Premier Cho Jung-tai announced the official designation during a cabinet meeting, sparking celebrations within the Siraya community. Activist and Tainan Siraya Cultural Association founder Wan Cheng-hsiung expressed joy, exclaiming in Siraya, "We've finally come home!" President Lai Ching-te, who previously supported the Siraya's cause, hailed the recognition as a historic moment for the community and a vital step towards historical and transitional justice for Indigenous peoples.
Indigenous studies scholar Jolan Hsieh (also known as Bavaragh Dagalomai) highlighted the potential impact of the recognition while acknowledging it as merely the beginning of a process aimed at restoring Indigenous dignity and rights.
Written by urgent.news from Mongabay's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
