2025 Indigenous Languages Symposium

INDIGENOUS LANGUAGES SYMPOSIUM

Yuuingan Dhilla Yari

29 April 2025

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2025 Indigenous Languages Symposium

About the symposium

In 2025, the Indigenous Languages Symposium returns for its fifth year. The annual symposium is a cornerstone initiative within State Library’s Indigenous Language Project, focusing on the revitalisation, transmission, and modern adaptation of Queensland's First Languages. The 2025 symposium will explore the intersection of language preservation and innovation in the digital age. Returning on Tuesday 29 April 2025, this one-day symposium will bring together language speakers and experts, industry professionals, academics, researchers, cultural leaders and community for insightful and interactive discussions about reviving and using Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages.

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Keynote speakers

Tanya Denning-Orman

Tanya is a proud Birri and Guugu Yimidhirr woman from Central and North Queensland who has been a fierce champion for strong Indigenous media and better representation of First Nations peoples. As Director of First Nations at SBS, she leads the network’s strategic approach to Indigenous content, elevates NITV, and amplifies First Nations voices across all platforms. With over 30 years of media experience, Tanya has worked as a journalist, producer, and became SBS’s first Director of Indigenous Content. She currently serves on the boards of Screen Careers, the World Indigenous Broadcasters Network, and the Starlight Foundation.

Michael Running Wolf

Michael Running Wolf (Northern Cheyenne and Lakota) was raised in a rural prairie village in Montana with intermittent water and electricity. Naturally he has a Master of Science in Computer Science, was an engineer at Amazon’s Alexa, and former faculty at Northeastern University. Michael is an AI ethicist who envisions an Indigenous future where Indigenous communities, alongside reclaiming their languages, attain technological sovereignty while addressing data ownership and systemic barriers to Indigenous AI.

Michael is a 2024-25 The Tech for Global Good Laureate and, among other awards, his work researching an automatic speech recognition system for highly polysynthetic languages has been recognized with the Patrick J. McGovern AI for Humanity Prize.

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2025 Program

8 am	Registration plus complimentary coffee and tea, level 2
9 am	Start of symposium Welcome to Country by Gaja Kerry Charlton and introduction from Vicki McDonald, State Librarian and CEO
9:25 am	Introduction Master of Ceremonies, Kgiyarrah Elizabeth Walker, Indigenous Science and Engagement, CSIRO
9:30 am	Opening keynote: Creating a first languages reality using regenerative AI practices slq Auditorium 1, level 2 Michael Running Wolf The hype of AI offers an opportunity to change the narrative of language loss but also creates unprecedented risk. Michael will discuss how Indigenous language communities can embrace advanced technology while balancing the impact AI has on Indigenous ways of knowing.
10:30 am	Morning tea on the Queensland Terrace, level 2
11 am	SESSION 1 Reviving language: translating and preserving the voices of southeast Queensland’s elders slq Auditorium 1, level 2 Facilitator: Gaja Kerry Charlton Gaja Kerry presents her work translating tape-recordings of elderly southeast Queensland language speakers by University of Queensland academics between 1939 and 1963. She identifies how cultural knowledge and training addresses inconsistencies in historically written sources and recent publications and the precursor to developing accurate phonology for community language learning and dictionaries.	SESSION 2 Digital technology for language growth slq Auditorium 2, level 2 Facilitator: Ben Foley, Language Data Commons of Australia, University of Queensland This presentation will explore the use of digital technology in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander language growth and the challenges and opportunities that come with it.	SESSION 3 Mapoon language project Heritage Collections Learning Room, level 4 Facilitator: Jason Jia, Mapoon Aboriginal Shire Council The Mapoon language project continues the groundbreaking work of linguist Dr Bruce Sommer, with a mission to preserve not only the traditional language but also cultural, environmental, and historical knowledge. Hear how Mapoon Elders, local educators and the Mapoon Aboriginal Shire Council’s Cultural Heritage advisor are working together to bring this work to completion.	SESSION 4 Black gloves experience White Gloves Room, level 4 Facilitator: Tania Schafer Explore State Library’s extensive materials on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages in a hands-on collections experience.
11:40 am	SESSION 1 Using virtual songlines and large language models for First Nations language revival slq Auditorium 1, level 2 Facilitator: Brett Leavy This project seeks to explore the intersection of advanced AI technology, specifically large language models and Indigenous knowledge systems to support the revival and revitalisation of First Nations languages. The project aims to bridge the gap between modern digital tools and traditional cultural practices, empowering Indigenous communities to preserve, teach, and reclaim their languages in innovative ways.	SESSION 2 Caretakers and collections panel discussion slq Auditorium 2, level 2 Chair: Des Crump Panel: Clarice Stanley, and Raelee Lancaster Join us for a panel discussion on the challenges of caring for and sharing First Nations collections and language materials. Panelists will explore the balance between preserving cultural heritage, ensuring respectful access, and navigating ethical considerations in cultural stewardship. Gain insights into the responsibilities of caretakers in safeguarding and sharing Indigenous knowledge.	SESSION 3 Story, language and place: the power of digital storytelling Heritage Collections Learning Room, Level 4 Facilitator: Gemma Pol, CEO, Common Ground Join Gemma as she explores how digital storytelling strengthens language and deepens connection to place. Through the evolution of Dreamy and insights from community-led knowledge recording initiatives, this talk highlights how First Nations people are reimagining how we record our stories, our ways, for future generations.	SESSION 4 In conversation: Megan Cope kuril dhagun, level 1 Facilitator: Megan Cope Join us for a special community conversation with artist Megan Cope, where we’ll explore the powerful connection between art and language revival.
12:30 pm	Lunch on the Queensland Terrace, level 2 Includes a special performance by Western Gugu Yalanji and Birri Gubba Songman Jungaji at 1 pm.
1:30 pm	Keynote: Our lingo, our way: The rise of First Nations languages through Australian media slq Auditorium 1, level 2 Tanya Denning-Orman, First Nations Director for SBS Tanya will explore the power and impact of seeing and hearing our languages in media, highlighting how NITV and SBS are championing First Languages through innovative and engaging content. She will showcase how this work strengthens connections within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities while fostering greater understanding and engagement among all Australians.
2:30 pm	SESSION 1 Kala Lagaw Ya Learning Songs – producing songs to learn Kala Lagaw Ya slq Auditorium 1, level 2 Facilitators: Jessie Lloyd, Leonara Adidi and Louise Manas This presentation showcases the creation of educational songs in Kala Lagaw Ya, designed to teach beginners key words and phrases. Combining music with language learning, it contributes engaging resources to the Kala Lagaw Ya ecosystem, perfect for online platforms.	SESSION 2 waganha winhanga-gigu - Dancing for the purpose of remembering slq Auditorium 2, level 2 Facilitator: Nicole Reilly Wiradyuri language speaker and creative producer Nicole Reilly explores the role of creative practice in driving nation rebuilding efforts. Through storytelling, performance, and cultural projects, she shares insights into the power of language revitalisation and artistic expression in strengthening First Nations sovereignty.	SESSION 3 Miromaa Pulli Piriraal – keeping language strong through cultural survival Heritage Collections Learning Room, level 4 Facilitators: Sophie Brennan and Jacqui Allen This presentation will explore the importance of a traditional seasonal calendar from an Aboriginal Australian perspective, highlighting its role in language and knowledge. This appro ach will guide you in creating your own traditional seasonal calendar, using language as a foundation for learning and understanding.	SESSION 4 Black Gloves experience White Gloves Room, level 4 Facilitator: Tania Schafer Explore State Library’s extensive materials on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages in a hands-on collections experience.
3:00 pm	Afternoon tea on the Queensland Terrace, level 2
3:30 pm	SESSION 1 Language revival in the digital age panel discussion slq Auditorium 1, level 2 Chair: Elizabeth Walker Panel: Michael Running Wolf and Brett Leavy Explore how technology is helping revive Indigenous languages in the digital era. Experts will discuss the role of digital technology and AI in preserving and passing on languages, while addressing challenges like digital access and intergenerational knowledge transfer. Join us to learn how digital tools are empowering communities to reclaim and revitalise their cultural heritage.	SESSION 2 PUT THE PaP IN POP: preservation and protection of Indigenous languages through embracing popular culture slq Auditorium 2, level 2 Facilitator: Scott Wilson Scott Wilson, co-founder of Indigeverse Comics, explores how popular culture can serve as a vital tool for preserving and protecting Indigenous languages and stories. Discover the power of pop culture to celebrate, safeguard, and share our languages and stories for generations to come.	SESSION 3 Empowering community led First Language revitalisation and digitisation Heritage Collections Learning Room, level 4 Facilitators: Lala Gutchen and Eric Brace Explore the role of community-driven digitisation and revitalisation in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Languages, using the Living First Language Platform (LFLP) as a case study. Drawing on experiences from communities like Erub Mer, Iga Warta Homelands, and Papulu Apparr-Kari, the session will also address themes such as data sovereignty, intergenerational collaboration, and the role of technology in language preservation.	SESSION 4 In conversation: Des Crump kuril dhagun, level 1 Presenter: Des Crump Join us for an inspiring community conversation with Des Crump as he shares his personal journey in language revival. Des will discuss his deep connection to his heritage and the importance of preserving and revitalising Indigenous languages and his passion and dedication to keeping languages alive for future generations.
4:15 pm	Language revival and the Arts slq Auditorium 1, level 2 Chair: Elizabeth Walker Panel: Fred Leone, Nicole Reilly, Scott Wilson and Tanya Denning-Orman This panel explores how the arts—music, visual art, screen, and performance—play a vital role in preserving and revitalising indigenous languages, fostering cultural resilience and community empowerment.
5:10 pm	Closing performance slq Auditorium 1, level 2 We invite you to conclude your day with a special musical performance by Butchulla Aboriginal Songman and award-winning artist Fred Leone.
5:30 pm	End of symposium