Today is the start of Aboriginal Languages Week with communities, schools, and organisations around NSW celebrating languages and recognising their importance to Aboriginal culture and identity.
The theme this year ‘Languages Alive, Culture Thrives’ recognises that revitalising and sustaining languages will ensure they are maintained for future generations.
NSW is the only jurisdiction in Australia to enact legislation that recognises the importance of Aboriginal languages and establishes mechanisms and investment to help strengthen them.
This second annual Aboriginal Languages Week runs from 20 to 27 October, commemorating the anniversary of that legislation being enacted in 2017.
The growth and strengthening of Aboriginal languages and culture is a key outcome for Closing the Gap, a national commitment to improve outcomes for Aboriginal people.
The week will feature community events and schools activities in metropolitan and regional centres across NSW, including workshops at the Australian ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Maritime Museum in Sydney and a speaker event at Museums of History NSW.
The NSW Government, via the Aboriginal Languages Trust, has provided $80,000 in grants to support organisations and groups hosting events during Aboriginal Languages Week.
Schools and organisations seeking to celebrate Aboriginal Languages Week can download resources, posters and games and general information via the .
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:
“I am proud that NSW is the only State or Territory in Australia to enact legislation to recognise the importance of Aboriginal languages and we continue to lead the way with the establishment of a dedicated week to shine the spotlight on this crucial element of Aboriginal culture.
“The Minns Labor Government is strongly committed to supporting Aboriginal Communities to reawaken and reclaim languages.
“Language means everything to Aboriginal Communities who have kept their languages alive despite significant barriers to ensure they are celebrated and preserved for the future.”
Deputy Chairperson, Aboriginal Languages Trust Cathy Trindall said:
“Aboriginal languages play a central role in strengthening our Cultural identity by connecting Aboriginal people to one another other, and to our ancestors and Country.
“The Trust is passionate about supporting community to celebrate and promote the incredible range of Aboriginal language activities underway across NSW.
“Aboriginal communities work tirelessly to keep languages alive, and the Trust wants to see their achievements celebrated. I encourage Aboriginal communities across NSW to celebrate and showcase their languages during NSW Aboriginal Languages Week 2024.”
