Taiwan looks set to open the door for its indigenous people to achieve some degree of autonomy. Will the rest of the population accept it?

The News Lens
Date: 2017/01/11
By: Edward White

A new vision for indigenous self-determination is expected to be detailed by Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) in the coming months. The policy may involve devolving significant decision-making power at local government level to the country’s 16 indigenous tribes.

“It will definitely be very controversial for non-indigenous people,” says Legislator Kolas Yotaka, a member of the East Coast Amis people and the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

Legislator Kolas, who has met with President Tsai in recent weeks, says that the plan may involve redefining the local government rules to allow Hualien and Taitung to be “autonomous districts.” The two counties cover much of Taiwan’s eastern mountain ranges and coastline and are home to the some of the largest groups of indigenous people, including the Amis.    [FULL  STORY]