Indigenous Languages

2024 symposium highlights

The 2024 Yuuingan Dhilla Yari: Indigenous Languages Symposium brought together Indigenous language custodians, educators, researchers and community members to explore the role of Indigenous languages in literacy. The symposium focused on how revitalising Indigenous languages can enhance education and literacy in Queensland’s Indigenous communities. Through keynotes, panels and workshops, attendees gained practical insights into integrating Indigenous languages into curriculums and community programs.

The opening keynote, Being a Voice for Country: Indigenous Languages and Literacy by Ben Bowen, CEO of the Indigenous Literacy Foundation, explored how literacy materials in First Nations languages are being developed in remote communities. Ben emphasised a community-led approach to creating culturally relevant resources that support literacy in Indigenous languages. His powerful address highlighted the importance of embedding language into everyday literacy practices.

The closing Story strings workshop with Dr Debra Dank demonstrated storytelling as a powerful tool for language learning and cultural pride, guiding participants to create their own story strings which serve as a language teaching tool and a way to inspire cultural pride.

The program concluded with the panel Next Steps: Protocols for Using Indigenous Languages, facilitated by Cheryl Leavy, which offered guidance on ensuring the ethical and respectful use of Indigenous languages, inspiring attendees to support their ongoing revitalisation and preservation.