On 21 October 2016, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Resolution A/RES/71/178 on “Rights of Indigenous peoples” proclaiming 2019 the International Year of Indigenous Languages. UNESCO will serve as the lead organization for the International Year of Indigenous Languages beginning on 1st January 2019. Within Australia the Australian Government Department of Communication and the … Read more
In the first week of August, I headed west to Barcaldine to work with community language groups in the region. The Central-West Aboriginal Corporation visited the State Library in April and requested assistance to help community groups to research their languages. As shown in the above map, there is a diversity of languages across the … Read more
This is the sixth year [2018] that State Library of Queensland has hosted a Language Residency with 18 past participants researching 20+ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages. Outcomes from recent residencies have been documented and shared on their return to community. Residents undertake research into their nominated language(s) using materials in State Library’s collections. … Read more
Three kuril dhagun staff headed to Rockhampton last month for the Binbi Wadyabay: Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Languages Forum to present and attend as delegates. Under the theme of binbi wadyabay (good talking), attendees from across Queensland discussed the formation of a Queensland Government languages policy. The two-day program included a Kalaw Kawaw … Read more
NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia each July to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC is celebrated not only in Indigenous communities, but by Australians from all walks of life. The week is a great opportunity to participate in a range of activities and to support … Read more
Language revival and maintenance in Mackay has been a priority for a group of dedicated Yuwibara descendants. State Library of Queensland commenced working with the group in early 2015 in creating a body part language video with ABC’s Mother Tongue project producer Dan Battley. The small list available at the time from George Bridgeman [collected … Read more
In 2018, ABC is partnering again with First Languages Australia to host the Marrin Gamu Indigenous Language Song Competition. The rules are fairly straightforward: Sing a song in the traditional language of your area! ABC and First Languages Australia are inviting schools to work with their local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community to translate the … Read more
The week of 27 May to 3 June 2018 is National Reconciliation Week, an annual celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories and lifestyles. During the week, Reconciliation Australia invites all Australians to learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories, to share that knowledge and help us grow as a nation. … Read more
2017 Language Residents The State Library of Queensland will once again host their annual Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Languages Residency at the State Library in Brisbane during June 2018. This will build upon the success of previous events where community members and language workers have explored hidden treasures within the State Library collections. The … Read more
State Library of Queensland partnered with Resource Network for Linguistic Diversity (RNLD), Pama Language Centre and North Qld. Regional Aboriginal Corporation Language Centre to host Indigenous Languages Workshops at the Hope Vale IKC and Mossman State School. Workshops were tailored to meet the community needs and to help them reach their language goals through the DRIL Program. … Read more
