A celebration of Aboriginal languages in NSW
By PETER ROWE
Students in NSW are celebrating Aboriginal Languages Week with communities, schools, and organisations 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.
“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,” Deputy Chairperson, Aboriginal Languages Trust Cathy Trindall said.
“The Trust is passionate about supporting community to celebrate and promote the incredible range of Aboriginal language activities underway across NSW.”
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 National 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.