PCT urges Christians to defend Aborigines’ land ownership rights

["Taiwan Church News" <enews@pctpress.org>]

3058 Edition

October 4~10, 2010

Headline News

 

 

PCT urges Christians to defend Aborigines’ land ownership rights

 

Reported by Chen Wei-chien

Written by Lydia Ma

 

 

Amis Aborigines from Fulafulak Reservation in Shanyuan Bay, near 
Taitung protested Taitung County’s issuance of permits 

for the operation and expansion of a beach resort hotel in their land 
without their consent despite court rulings against the 

development project.

 

This protest, which took place in front of the Presidential Palace on 
October 1, 2010, was co-sponsored by 

Taiwan Environmental Protection Union, PCT Indigenous Ministry 
Committee, Raging Citizens Act Now (RCAN), 

and other organizations. Highlights of the protest included a press 
conference and a protest letter delivered

directly to the Presidential Palace.

The controversy began in 2004 when the county government permitted 
the construction of Meiliwan Resort Hotel on Shanyuan Bay. 

Despite several high court rulings against this building project due 
to environmental concerns, the county government repeatedly 

appealed the ruling and at the same time issued permits for the 
resort’s operation.

In addition, two Aborigines had their lands incorporated as part of 
the resort hotel without their knowledge and consent when the area 

was re-zoned. Hence, aside from ignoring high court rulings, the 
county government also completely ignored the Aboriginal Basic Act, 

which stipulates that Aborigines must be consulted before such a 
project can be started in their traditional lands.

PCT Indigenous Ministry Committee Secretary Omi Wilang said he hoped 
PCT could serve as a platform for more discussion on this matter 

and added that its participation in environmental protection issues 
was an important aspect of its witness for Christ. 

He said PCT’s participation would go a long way in touching people's 
hearts and lives.

PCT Church and Society Committee Secretary Huang Che-yen underscored 
that Shanyuan Bay should remain a public property belonging to all 
Taitung residents. 

As a native of Taitung and a PCT official, he said the church must 
oppose any corporate takeover of this bay. He urged all Christians to 
get involved in this issue 

as a proof to all that their faith is indeed rooted in this land and 
its well-being.

“We are not anti-development. But development projects must be 
reasonable,” Huang said. “They must take into account local culture 
and ecology, 

as well as the human rights of Aborigines. We will continue to keep 
an eye on this issue.”

 

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