Ljaucu Zingrur (Zeng Zhi-yong), the Chairperson of the Council of Indigenous Peoples, celebrated his first anniversary in office today (on the 20^th). He has gradually implemented the administrative vision of President Lai’s “National Hope Project” and will continue to lead the Council of Indigenous Peoples in promoting policies that benefit indigenous communities.

Since taking office, Chairperson Mr. Zeng has guided the Council of Indigenous Peoples in fostering lateral communication among inter-agencies and interdisciplinary collaboration across six aspects: comprehensive planning, education and culture, social welfare, economic development, infrastructure, and land management. This has led to the promotion of policies and measures that truly benefit and are recognized by indigenous peoples. For instance, in response to the rising cost of living, the Council of Indigenous Peoples has amended laws and regulations regarding infrastructure improvement. Starting in 2025, subsidies for housing construction for economically disadvantaged indigenous peoples will increase from NT$220,000 to NT$240,000 per household; subsidies for housing repairs will rise from NT$110,000 to NT$120,000 per household. These changes will assist thousands of indigenous families in enhancing their living environment and quality of life.

In the realm of talent development, the Council of Indigenous Peoples has launched the “Indigenous Athletes Incubation Program” for the first time to identify top indigenous athletes in several categories: Track and Field, Weightlifting, Archery, Shooting, Boxing, Judo, and Taekwondo, while also supporting grassroots sports talents. The program offers athletes and coaches of the Gold Plan a maximum subsidy of NT$3,000,000; provides Asian Games athletes and coaches with up to NT$1,500,000; and grants outstanding athletes from the National Games and the National Intercollegiate Athletic Games a maximum of NT$300,000; while also offering the best senior high school athletes in the National High School Games up to NT$240,000, and the best junior high school athletes the same event a maximum of NT$200,000. The Council aims to nurture sports talent among indigenous peoples and help the athletes improve their performance in competitions.

Regarding economic development highlights, the Council of Indigenous Peoples continues to advance the “Directions of Subsidies for the Promotion of the Indigenous Peoples’ Music Industry” to encourage indigenous peoples to create music in their native languages. Among the musical works supported by the Council of Indigenous Peoples, seven pieces were nominated for a total of 17 awards at the 35th Golden Melody Awards, ultimately winning three awards: Best New Artist, Best Singer (Indigenous Language), and Best Indigenous Language Album. This demonstrates the increasing quality of indigenous musical talent and works, which is driving the development of the indigenous music industry.

In promoting the autonomy of indigenous peoples, the Council of Indigenous Peoples officially launched “The Pilot Project of Tribal Public Juristic Person” on April 7, 2025 (today). The five tribes selected for the initial demonstration are the Atolan Tribe of Taitung County, Kalibuan Tribe of Nantou County, Tjanaqasiya Tribe of Pingtung County, Pangwi Tribe of Pingtung County, and Sakar Tribe of Hualien County. This represents a significant and formal step toward enhancing the tribal autonomy system while embodying the spirit of tribal autonomy as outlined in the “Indigenous Peoples Basic Law.”

To enhance the service provision for indigenous peoples’ health, the Council of Indigenous Peoples has established 519 cultural health stations across the country, employing 1,374 local indigenous caregivers to care for 16,340 indigenous elders. As a result, the indigenous elders can receive care services that align with local culture and adapt to local conditions.

Chairperson Mr. Zeng noted that the first anniversary of his office is just a starting point. In the future, he will carry on past traditions while looking forward, continuing to promote various policies and plans for indigenous peoples to preserve their culture and showcase the talents of indigenous communities. He will also foster mutual understanding and respect among different ethnic groups to develop a diverse, equitable, and prosperous society.