Indigenous Peoples

As introduced by the Taiwan Yearbook 2006:

Taiwan's indigenous population numbered 469,467 at the end of June 2006. Several government organizations have been set up in recent years specifically to serve Taiwan's indigenous people. These include: the Indigenous Peoples Commission under the Taipei City Government, set up in 1996; the Council of Indigenous Peoples under the Executive Yuan, created in 1996; and the Commission of Indigenous Affairs under the Kaohsiung City Government, established in 1997.

Indigenous communities in Taiwan benefit from a number of social welfare programs. For example, the government offers low-interest housing loans of up to NT$2.2 million (US$65,829) repayable over a 30-year period for the purchase or construction of a new residence, and up to NT$800,000 (US$23,938) repayable over a 15-year period for home repair. In addition, low-income indigenous households located in urban centers are entitled to government subsidies for renting a house.

Indigenous people receive a 33-percent increase to their scores for the senior high school and university entrance exams. The government also awards eight full scholarships each year for indigenous students to study abroad. Indigenous students who finance their own overseas education receive a monthly stipend of US$300. In addition, a special civil service examination is held biennially for indigenous examinees; by the end of 2004, 2,275 such positions had been offered through 23 such exams.

In January 2005, the Legislative Yuan passed the Indigenous Peoples Basic Act, which stipulates that the government should provide resources to help indigenous peoples develop a system of self-governance, formulate policies to protect their basic rights, and promote the preservation and development of their languages and cultures.