TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Cabinet approved the first phase of construction of the National Museum of Indigenous People, and Premier Chen Chien-jen (陳建仁) visited the site in Kaohsiung on Monday (May 6).

Chen visited with dignitaries such as National Human Rights Commission Chair Chen Chu (陳菊), Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai (陳其邁), and Council of Indigenous Peoples Minister Icyang Parod (夷將 . 拔路兒). Chen said initial funding for phase one was set at NT$5.8 billion (US$179 million) for a multi-functional facility in Kaohsiung’s Niaosong District. 

Icyang said eight municipalities competed for the museum. In the end, Kaohsiung City Government’s donation of 14 hectares of land near Chengcing Lake earned the right to host the museum, per CNA.

Icyang said the project was separated into phases, with the first phase focused on the exhibition hall, a collection hall, and a ceremonial square with a total floor area of 27,185 square meters. Both the Cabinet and Kaohsiung City Government would oversee the construction of phase one. 

Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai (陳其邁) said the original design includes an idyllic location on the banks of Chengcing Lake. In the future, the Yellow Line of Kaohsiung MRT will pass by, providing convenient transportation and attracting visitors from surrounding schools.

According to the Council of Indigenous Peoples, the main functions of the museum include displaying Indigenous cultural relics, ecological and environmental education, promoting Indigenous culture in creative industries, and local tourism. The museum is also meant to support Indigenous people to achieve equal status with other groups.

Other goals include establishing a platform for communication between Indigenous peoples. The museum is to present an accurate historical perspective of Taiwan’s Indigenous peoples.