The Tainan Siraya Cultural Association convened a Siraya Ethnic Membership Criteria Meeting today (March 21). The Council of Indigenous Peoples (CIP) was represented by Director Tseng Hsing-chung of the Comprehensive Planning Department and accompanying staff, who attended to explain the procedures related to the recognition of the Siraya people, assisting community members in understanding the current legal framework and institutional status.

The CIP stated that the draft criteria for determining Siraya ethnic membership have been formulated in accordance with the Plains Indigenous Peoples Status Act, with the public consultation period concluding on March 8. All collected public comments have been compiled and forwarded to the Tainan Siraya Cultural Association. This meeting was convened by the Association to discuss whether and how to incorporate these comments, with the aim of building community consensus among Siraya members.

The CIP emphasized that “respecting the consensus reached by community members within the framework of the law” is a key principle guiding its handling of this matter. At today’s meeting, CIP representatives provided clarification on relevant legal procedures, encouraged continued dialogue among community members, and expressed hope that a consensus can be reached as soon as possible to facilitate the timely formal recognition process for the Siraya people.