Indigenous Language Program a Success

A NSW government mission to rescue “critically endangered” indigenous languages has chalked up impressive figures in its first year, providing language and culture lessons to 1900 Aboriginal students.

 

The NSW Aboriginal Language and Culture Nest program began last year in Dubbo, 400km northwest of Sydney, as a teaching hub for the Wiradjuri language.

It expanded to include Lismore (Bundjalung) and Coffs Harbour (Gumbaynggirr) in the state’s northeast, and Wilcannia (Paakantji/Barkintji) and Lightning Ridge (Gamilaraay/Yuwaalaraay/Yuwaalayaay) in the state’s northwest and central north.

Aboriginal Affairs Minister Victor Dominello will announce that 49 students have completed Certificate II Aboriginal language qualifications at TAFE Western since the first “nest” was opened in October last year. He will be joined by the Deputy Premier and Member for Dubbo, Troy Grant, who this year became the first person ever to speak a traditional Aboriginal language — Wiradjuri — in the NSW parliament.

“This is the first time any government has shown they are willing to back indigenous language and see that Aboriginal culture has value,” Wiradjuri language teacher Diane Riley-McNaboe told The Australian.

“I have a good grasp (of the language) because my father and mother, uncles and aunties took the time to teach me stuff.

“If they could see what I get to do today with that gift, they’d be more than proud, they’d be sitting there crying.”

Mr Grant said more than 2600 Aboriginal students in his region alone had access to the new nest and five had completed their TAFE certifications.