The DPP joins hands with new immigrants to hold a commemorative event for World Indigenous Peoples' Day, showcasing the Austronesian identity's connection to Taiwan.

With the 'International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples' approaching on August 9, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) headquarters announced today (6th) that it will co-host a commemorative event featuring indigenous language singing with new immigrants from the Austronesian language family region. This event not only highlights the significance of the Austronesian ethnic groups' identification with Taiwan and their protection of Taiwan's sovereignty, but also aims to enhance the international development of Taiwan's indigenous peoples through a focus on Austronesian research. The United Nations designated August 9 each year as the 'International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples' on December 23, 1994, to highlight the status and rights of indigenous peoples worldwide. The DPP headquarters held a press conference today, announcing that for the first time this year, they will start from the discourse of the Austronesian homeland and co-host a commemorative event with new immigrant friends from the Austronesian region, including the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam. The DPP pointed out that President Lai Ching-te has declared that Taiwan's indigenous peoples are the masters of this land. Taiwan is one of the origins of the Austronesian language family. As important members of the Austronesian peoples, Taiwan alone accounts for 16 ethnic groups, presenting a diverse and rich cultural vitality. Based on the Austronesian homeland discourse, it holds a significant international strategic position and further highlights the fact that Taiwan does not belong to China. Acting DPP Secretary-General Ho Po-wen, who attended the meeting, stated that the DPP has always pursued ethnic diversity, equality, and integration. This year, by combining indigenous people and new immigrant friends from Southeast Asia to hold the 'International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples' commemorative event, it commemorates not only history but also a commitment to the future, symbolizing global respect and protection for the culture, language, health, education, and self-determination rights of indigenous peoples. Ho Po-wen also mentioned that the DPP has long attached great importance to the rights and policy development of indigenous peoples, including the establishment of the Council of Indigenous Peoples, the formulation of the Indigenous Peoples Basic Law, and the Indigenous Languages Development Act, providing substantial protection to the people from both organizational and legal aspects. He also stated that in the future, the DPP will not only take care of indigenous friends but also continue to care for all new immigrants living on this land of Taiwan, so that everyone can live and work in peace and contentment in Taiwan. DPP indigenous legislators Chen Ying and Wu Li-hua, as well as Lo Mei-ling, who serves as the director of the DPP's New Immigrant Affairs Department, also attended the meeting and gave high support and affirmation to the 'International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples' commemorative event. Wu Li-hua said that at the end of this year, Taiwan will host the first 'Austronesian International Indigenous Games,' continuing to deepen good international diplomacy between various Austronesian peoples and Taiwan, and further enriching Taiwan's history and culture. Chen Ying also expressed her expectation that future 'International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples' commemorative events could be expanded to continue to move the nation and influence the world with the music of international ethnic groups. (Editor: Song Wan-yuan)