Yilan County has added another vital hub for Indigenous long-term care and cultural heritage with the official inauguration today (August 5) of the "Salimu Cultural and Health Center" in Bhou Village, Nan'ao Township. This milestone signifies a further expansion of the county's Indigenous long-term care support network, establishing a welcoming community base for tribal elders that integrates health promotion, cultural learning, and social connection.
Ku Wen-Hua, Director-General of the Yilan County Government's Indigenous Peoples Department, stated that Indigenous cultural and health centers serve not only as venues for health promotion among elders, but also as essential foundations for preserving ethnic culture and strengthening tribal cohesion.
This year, the Council of Indigenous Peoples provided robust support for Yilan County's cultural and health centers, allocating over NT$68 million to fund the ongoing operations of 21 stations. Furthermore, in June, the Council approved the establishment of the county's 22nd site—the "Salimu Cultural and Health Center"—further completing the layout of Indigenous long-term care services. The county government expressed its sincere gratitude for the central government's funding and support. The operation of this center has been entrusted to the Yilan County Salimu Indigenous Care and Development Association, whose dedicated involvement and warm companionship will offer the elders a deeply reassuring presence.
Director-General Ku also noted that both central and local governments have actively promoted a wide array of cultural, educational, and social welfare programs in recent years. These include cultural and health centers, Indigenous family service centers, Indigenous language education, summer student internships, tribal universities, and traditional ritual celebrations. Additionally, key infrastructure projects—such as the Dongyue Gateway to Mountains and Ocean Recreational Space, livable tribe initiatives, improvements to tribal connection roads, and home repairs—aim to continuously enhance living environments, bridge the urban-rural gap, and bring renewed hope to Indigenous communities.
The county government extends a warm invitation to Indigenous elders aged 55 and older who are registered residents of Nan'ao Township to actively participate in the center's activities, build their health reserves, and foster a more cheerful, vibrant lifestyle. It is hoped that, with collective support from all sectors, elders can live healthier, happier lives on their ancestral land, fostering a more united and empowered community.