President Tsai Ing-wen became the first leader who formally apologised to Taiwan's indigenous people for their lifelong suffering and negligence from the authority.
According to AFP, Ms Tsai on Monday said, "I apologise to the indigenous people on behalf of the government, to give our deepest apology over the suffering and injustice you endured over the past 400 years."
Her apology came after hundreds of aboriginals protested against the government's carelessness outside the presidential office over the weekend. They claimed protection of their hunting rights and demanded concrete actions from the government.
"We need to look at history seriously and speak out the truth and will be taking a step forward," she added.
Earlier on Monday, Ms Tsai's extended her warm welcome to representatives from 16 recognised tribes who were invited to take part in a local festival.
The indigenous community makes upto two per cent of Taiwan's population.
However the government has always turned a blind eye to their requirements. In the era of modernisation and globalisation, they are facing severe consequences as their culture is eroding and cultivable land and hunting pastures are being converted to national parks.
