August 6, 2022—The CIP held the first Model Fathers of Indigenous Languages Honors Ceremony today at the Grand Hotel Taipei, with Premier Su Tseng-Chang presenting the awards in person. This year, 52 Model Fathers of Indigenous Languages from over 16 tribes were selected for public recognition in honor of their contributions to the revitalization of their tribal languages. Minister Icyang‧Parod welcomed everyone with greetings in 16 indigenous languages.

On June 14, 2006, President Tsai Ing-Wen promulgated the Indigenous Languages Development Act, which stipulates that all indigenous languages are the national languages of Taiwan. Then on January 11 this year, Premier Su Tseng-Chang organized the National Languages Promotion Board, on which he serves as convener. He also proposed the National Languages Comprehensive Development Plan, which is expected to receive government funding of over NT$ 30 billion in the next five years to stimulate the use of the national languages in daily life and foster native-speaking households and communities from three aspects including family, school, and society. One of the important aspects of the plan involves honoring parents who serve as role models for indigenous languages. In addition, the CIP’s budget for promoting language development will increase from NT$ 500 million this year to NT$ 1.3 billion next year.

CIP Minister Icyang‧Parod delivered his entire speech in the Amis language, expressing the important role that fathers play in passing on their tribal languages at home, thanking Premier Su for his approval and support in facilitating the first national Model Fathers in Indigenous Languages Honors Ceremony, and declaring that model parents in Indigenous Languages will continue to be honored on every Mother’s Day and Father’s Day in the hope that indigenous languages will be used and passed down in more families.