Connecting Culture and Language: Jason Jia's Journey at the Indigenous Languages Research Discovery Workshop
By Jason Jia | 9 June 2025
My name is Jason Jia, and I’m the Cultural Heritage Advisor with the Mapoon Aboriginal Shire Council. I have historical connections to Mapoon through my Great-Grandmother, who was part of the Stolen Generations—taken from her family in Lawn Hills and brought to the Mapoon Mission. I was born and raised in Gladstone, Central Queensland, but my heart and heritage remain strongly tied to Mapoon.
My interest in the Indigenous Language Workshop was sparked by the ongoing work in reviving the local languages of Mapoon, particularly Tjungundji and Yupangathi. This language project began in 2006 in partnership with historian Geoff Wharton, and with renewed funding, we were able to continue the project in 2024 alongside Mapoon Elders.
The workshop offered an invaluable opportunity to conduct language research using the collections at State Library Queensland and to connect with others who are actively working on language preservation in their own communities. It was incredibly beneficial to discover how to care for and preserve community collections, and the day spent at Queensland State Archives gave us access to government records and files that are often inaccessible from remote locations like ours.
Jason Jia, Cultural Heritage Advisor, Mapoon Aboriginal Shire Council. Image by Lewis James Media. State Library of Queensland.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the workshop was the opportunity to build meaningful connections and networks with like-minded participants. These relationships will undoubtedly grow into long-term collaborations, where we can support each other on our respective language journeys.
The experience strengthened my understanding of the urgency in preserving and revitalising Indigenous languages. I gained hands-on knowledge in documentation methods, community engagement strategies, and the importance of respecting cultural protocols when working with historical materials.
I was especially moved by the inspiring stories shared by other participants who are leading language programs in their communities, with each project grounded in passion, resilience, and cultural pride.
Jason Jia learning how to access State Library language collections at the Indigenous Languages Research Discovery workshop, April 2025. Image by Lewis James Media.
Working closely with the State Library and the Archives was both empowering and eye-opening. I was amazed at how much material exists, with some of it directly connected to Mapoon. It reaffirmed that archives aren’t just collections; they are living repositories that can be brought back to life through the voices of our communities.
On a personal and cultural level, this experience has renewed my sense of purpose. Professionally, it equipped me with the tools and confidence to continue driving language initiatives in Mapoon. It reminded me that language work is not just about preserving words, it’s about healing, identity, and future generations.
As I return home, I’m bringing with me practical skills for archival research, language documentation, and community engagement, particularly with our Elders and youth. Most importantly, I’m bringing renewed energy, purpose, and the belief that our work is part of a much larger movement.
Looking ahead, I hope to stay connected with the workshop participants and facilitators, continuing to share ideas and support one another. I’d love to be involved in future workshops or regional gatherings focused on creating shared resources or developing digital tools to keep our languages strong.
To anyone considering applying for future workshops. I wholeheartedly encourage you to do so. These workshops are more than just training, they are spaces of connection, empowerment, and cultural pride. You don’t need to be a linguist to make a difference. All you need is heart, respect, and a deep commitment to keeping our languages alive for the next generations.
2025 Indigeous Language Research Discovery workshop participants. Image by Lewis James Media. Courtesy of State Library of Queensland.
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