Taiwan’s first radio station catering primarily to indigenous peoples began broadcasting Aug. 9 in Taipei City as part of government efforts to raise awareness of local aboriginal culture, history and languages.
 
Alian 96.3, which is operated by Taipei-headquartered Indigenous Peoples Cultural Foundation, offers 15 types of programs spanning such areas as the arts, entertainment, health care, music, parenting, sports and society. It also provides news shows in all of Taiwan’s 16 officially recognized indigenous languages.
 
At the launch ceremony coinciding with U.N. International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, President Tsai Ing-wen said the name of the station, Alian, is fitting as it means “friend” in Paiwan. Similarly, it reflects the broadcaster’s mission to serve as a platform for tribal people to better communicate with all segments of society and carry out cultural exchanges, she added.
 
Tsai said the founding of the station underscores the commitment of the government to safeguarding Taiwan’s rich and diverse indigenous culture. By guaranteeing access to the media for aboriginals, the government is recognizing the value of this unique cultural asset in which all citizens can take immense pride, she added.
 
According to the president, one of the broadcaster’s most important missions is to help preserve the languages of the country’s 16 indigenous tribes under the indigenous languages development act that took effect June 14. It is hoped that the station, along with Taiwan Indigenous TV, will further promote understanding of the country’s indigenous heritage and contribute to advancing historical and transitional justice, she said.
 
According to IPCF, the station’s coverage extends to 94 percent of Taiwan’s tribal villages and 75 percent of the indigenous population. This makes it an effective tool in bridging the urban-rural information divide while serving as a trusted source for the latest developments in aboriginal communities worldwide, current affairs, and disaster preparedness and relief measures. (SFC-E)