The Ainu Association of Hokkaido asked a government panel Wednesday to help establish a law to secure funding to better the lives of the indigenous group.

"Establishing a law is indispensable to promote comprehensive measures (to improve) the lives of the Ainu people and our education," said Tadashi Kato, chairman of the Ainu Association of Hokkaido and a member of the government panel.

Hokkaido Gov. Harumi Takahashi, also a panel member, backed Kato, stressing the need for a new law.