The Palaszczuk Government is investing in initiatives to reinvigorate Queensland’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages
Deputy Premier and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Jackie Trad said applications for Indigenous language grants were open until the end of May.
“In this, the International Year of Indigenous Languages, the Palaszczuk Government is helping communities, educators and researchers to promote and preserve Queensland’s diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages,” Ms Trad said.
“Traditional languages are an important part of the rich heritage, culture and identity of Queensland’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities .
“Yet, of the more than 100 distinct Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dialects once spoken in the state, only half remain in regular use.”
The Palaszczuk Government is offering 28 grants of $2,500 for local language preservation initiatives, two grants of $7,500 for significant activities and one grant of $15,000 for a program of state-wide importance.
“We want to encourage more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders to speak their Indigenous language at home to ensure local dialects are passed on to future generations,” Ms Trad said.
“The grants program is part of the Palaszczuk Government commitment to traditional languages, cultural identity and better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders.”
Education Minister Grace Grace encouraged communities, school parent associations, kindergarten program providers and other interested groups to make an application.
“Around 60 schools across Queensland have already registered an interest in teaching traditional languages,” Ms Grace said.
“Schools and communities working together to teach Indigenous language is an important step in helping to close the gap on disadvantage.
“By speaking and celebrating Indigenous languages we guarantee their future.”
