Sun, Jan 30, 2005 page2

• Aboriginal rights law lauded at graduation

  MILESTONE The new law was proof that Aborigines can get respect if they fight for it, an official said at the graduation of a Ketagalan Institute's Aboriginal studies class

  • By Mo Yan-chih / STAFF REPORTER
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  The passage of the Aboriginal Basic Law (原住民族基本法) in the Legislative Yuan sent an important message to all Aborigines that the goal to bring more rights to indigenous people can be achieved, according to Vice Chairman of Council of Indigenous Peoples Pasuya Poitsonu (浦忠成).

  "The passage of the Aboriginal Basic Law in the Legislative Yuan was a nice surprise after years of countless efforts by advocates," Pasuya said. "It tells us that we can earn more respect if we are willing to fight for it."

  

  Taiwanese Aboriginal youth and aid recipients from the Philippines give a joint performance at a ``Thanksgiving and Prosperity'' concert held yesterday by World Vision Taiwan at the Taipei Youth Activity Center.

  PHOTO: LIAO CHEN-HUI, TAIPEI TIMES

  The Ketagalan Institute celebrated the graduation of its fourth "Aboriginal Research Studies" class yesterday.

  Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Pasuya said that students are responsible for assisting the government in improving Aboriginal rights with suggestions for feasible measures.

  "The reason government often fails to fulfill the stipulations of Aboriginal laws is because they don't have comprehensive knowledge about Aboriginal affairs," he said. "As Aboriginal intellectuals, you should act as Aboriginal rights advocates, and bridge the knowledge gap by providing the government with possible solutions to Aboriginal issues."

  The institute's President Lee Hong-hsi (李鴻禧) said that eliminating domination by the majority and raising Aborigines' profile have been his main goals since the institute was launched.

  "Through lectures on political and environmental issues facing Aborigines, I hope that ultimately we can not only preserve the beautiful mountains and water resources of the tribes, but also bring wealth to Aboriginal peoples," Lee said.

  The fourth Aboriginal studies class contains 40 students, with 14 non-Aboriginals and 26 indigenous students, including members of the Atayal, Amis, Paiwan,Tsou, Rukai and Bunun tribes. According to the institute, this year's curriculum focused on the implications of policy-making and the management of land and natural resources.

  Student Savi Nigu Kosing (謝秀花), also a member of the Association of Taiwan Indigenous Peoples' Policy, appreciated the opportunity to learn the values of different tribes.

  "After leaving the tribe for city life for more than 20 years, I realized how much I have missed learning and understanding my people's affairs," Savid said. "Thanks to the class, I regained my passion for Aboriginal issues."

  Another graduate, Shao Yao-tsu (邵耀祖), one of the 14 non-Aboriginal students and a staff member at the Atomic Energy Council of the Executive Yuan, said that the courses, which included two field trips to visit tribes, helped him work more effectively with Aborigines.

  "My job requires me to communicate with Aboriginal peoples in Lanyu," Shao said. "The lack of knowledge of Aboriginal affairs has caused a lot of misunderstandings in the past. Through the courses on Aboriginal history and current issues, I have learned to respect Aborigines and know how to cooperate with them."

  The Ketagalan Institute was founded by President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) in March 2003 as an independent, non-partisan educational institution for promoting civic values through education, policy research and public forums.

  There are three courses of study: "National Leadership and Development Strategy," "Aboriginal Research Studies," and "Women's Leadership in Public Affairs."
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