Funding to support Aboriginal languages and culture

By PETER ROWE

The WA State Government is to provide $200,000 in funding to progress the establishment of an independent service organisation and peak body to support Aboriginal languages in Western Australia.

The funding will allow the continuation of work started in March 2024 by the Western Australian Network of Aboriginal Language Centres (WANALC), now known as Aboriginal Languages WA, which has been supported by the Kimberley Language Resource Centre.

“This funding commitment is an important step in supporting Aboriginal communities to strengthen and grow their languages,” Aboriginal Affairs Minister Dr Tony Buti.

“This reflects our government’s ongoing commitment ensuring the intergenerational transfer of Aboriginal knowledge, culture and language.

“Under the symbol of the Ochre Ribbon, we can educate, collaborate, and work towards a safer community.

“I am incredibly proud of the work the AFLS team and supporting organisations have done to challenge family violence, and I hope we can continue to raise awareness and build stronger, safer futures for all Aboriginal families.”

Aboriginal Languages WA aims to drive and empower legislative and policy changes to achieve lasting and positive outcomes to strengthen Aboriginal languages across the State.

The funding supports the Cook Government’s commitment to meeting Target 16 of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, which aims to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and languages are strong, supported and flourishing.

The support is in line with the four priority reforms outlined in the National Agreement, the WA Government’s Aboriginal Empowerment Strategy and commitment to support the development of Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations.

The Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries is the lead agency for Outcome 16.