First ever Aboriginal TV channel launched today

President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) yesterday expressed high expectations for today's launch of the first Aboriginal television channel in the nation, expecting it to showcase Taiwan's cultural diversity in addition to providing a vehicle through which Aborigines can express themselves.

The channel will be dedicated solely to broadcasting Aboriginal-related programs.

"This channel is the first of its kind in Taiwan and in the whole of Asia. It represents Taiwan's 12 Aboriginal groups and a place that allows the voices of more than 800 Aboriginal tribes be heard," Chen wrote in his weekly e-newsletter.

The channel will serve not only as an opportunity allow people in Taiwan to learn more about the way of life of different people and ethnic groups, but will also provide a venue for those who are interested in Aboriginal affairs to get more acquainted with Aboriginal culture and issues.

"This work deepens the roots [of Aboriginal] culture. It helps the 12 Aboriginal groups can continue to revive their languages and cultures," Chen wrote.

The launch of this Aboriginal channel "is something that if we don't do today, we will regret tomorrow," the president added.

The original Aboriginal tribes are the Atayal, Saisiyat, Bunun, Tsou, Paiwan, Rukai, Puyuma, Amis, and Tao. The Thao (邵) was the 10th official tribe, the Kavalan (噶瑪蘭) the 11th, and the Truku (太魯閣) the 12th.