President Chen Shui-bian met with a group of students from the Orchid Island on August 23 at the Office of the President.
As the Orchid Island is where the Tao tribe, one of Taiwan's indigenous groups, is located, the president talked about preservation of indigenous culture with his young guests, saying that the bearing of the indigenous name for the Orchid Island, also known as the "Home of the Flying Fish" and the "Islet of Man," connotes "tolerance" and "respect," which is why the government must help aborigines regain their indigenous names.
He particularly pointed out that an aboriginal basic law, which was enacted and came into effect in February 2005, and the recognition of August 1 as the "Indigenous Day" are two examples of the government's efforts in preserving Taiwan's indigenous culture.
These students were participants of an experience camp held by the National Youth Commission under the Executive Yuan, whose minister, Cheng Li-chiun, accompanied them to the Office of the President.