Paragraph 1 of Article 29 of the In Indigenous Peoples Education Act, amended on September 1, 2004, mandates that " The Central competent authority on the affairs of indigenous peoples shall allocate specific funding and accept donations from individuals and corporate entities to establish an Indigenous Peoples Cultural foundation to set up broadcasting channels and media enterprises engaging in culture-related endeavors. Indigenous peoples should make up at least one-third of the Board of Directors, including board members and supervisors. In addition, Paragraph 1 of Article 12 of The Basic Law of the Indigenous Peoples enacted on February 5, 2005, mandates that "The government shall protect the peoples' right to have access to broadcast and other forms of media. It shall establish the Indigenous Peoples' Cultural Foundation to plan and set up broadcast media and institutions dedicated exclusively to indigenous peoples."

On December 21, 2007, the Legislative Yuan passed the Act for the Establishment of the Indigenous Peoples Cultural Foundation (thereafter referred to as " the Act " ) after three readings ; the president signed it into law on January 16, 2008. Article 1 of the Act clearly states that the mission of the Foundation is to " pass down the legacy of culture and education of indigenous peoples as well as to operate a media industry promoting indigenous cultures. " In the amendment to the wording of Article 4 announced by the president on July 1, 2015, the paragraph 1 of the overall responsibilities of the foundation include: 1) Planning, production, broadcasting, operation, and popularization of indigenous broadcasts and designated television channels; 2) Publishing and promoting publications relating to indigenous culture and communication; 3) Establishing and promoting websites relating to indigenous culture-related media; 4) Counseling, handling, and sponsoring activities relating to indigenous cultures, language, art, and communication; 5) Cultivating and rewarding staff members devoted to indigenous culture, language, art, and communication ; and 6) Other businesses relating to indigenous culture, language, art, and communication. The paragraph 2 of the amendment mandates that "the frequency required by indigenous radio stations and television channels shall be planned and allocated by the affair competent authorities of the central government upon consultation with the competent authorities. The paragraph mandates that "IPCF may entrust wireless television agencies to broadcast the programs and advertisements of the indigenous television station, which shall not be restricted by Paragraph 2 of Article 4 of the Radio and Television Act."

On August 6, 2009, in accordance with Article 9 of the Act, which governs the selection of board members (or directors) and supervisors, the Council of Indigenous Peoples, mandates that: " Paragraph 1: 1.The Legislative Yuan shall elect 11 - 13 indigenous representatives and impartial parties in the community as members of the review committee of board members (or directors) and supervisors (thereafter referred to as " review committee " ); 2. The Executive Yuan shall nominate candidates for board members (ordirectors) and supervisors and submit these names to the review committee. Individuals passed by two-thirds of the review committee members will then be appointed by the Premier. Paragraph 2: Indigenous representatives should account for at least one-half of the review committee members. Paragraph 3: Individuals involved in party affairs, administrative staff, and elected public officials may not serve as review committee members. Review committee members should attend meetings in person and may not authorize a proxy to attend on his/her behalf. Paragraph 4: Aside from taking into account representation of the indigenous peoples, selection of directors should also consider the individual's expertise in education, the humanities, communications, and indigenous affairs. Paragraph 5: Supervisors should possess broadcasting, legal, accounting, or financial experience or knowledge. Paragraph 6: Indigenous peoples representative mentioned in previous paragraphs should account for at least one-half of the board members and supervisors. Paragraph 7: Total number of board members (or directors) and supervisors belonging to the same political party may not exceed one-fourth of the total number of members of the Board of the Directors. Board members and supervisors may not participate in any political activity during their term of office." Taking all these into account, the Executive Yuan selected 11 directors and 3 supervisors as the 1st Board of Directors of IPCF (thereafter referred to as "the Foundation"). On January 14, 2010, after three months of preparations and amidst high expectations from various sectors of society, Chairman Dr. Hung Chingyi presided over the official unveiling of the foundation. On September 21, 2010, the Council of Indigenous Peoples convened a review meeting to increase the number of IPCF directors and supervisors. As a result, 4 more directors and 2 more supervisors were added to the roster.