Culture Nest to Hatch Language

A plan to develop more Aboriginal language teachers is behind the launch of the State’s first Aboriginal Language and Culture Nest in Dubbo.

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Victor Dominello said the North West Wiradjuri Language and Culture Nest would create learning pathways for Aboriginal students, teachers and community members.

The nest is the first of an initial set of five to be established across the State.

Mr Dominello said Aboriginal Elders and representatives of the North West Wiradjuri communities had made a commitment to revitalise the Wiradjuri language and culture.

“Revitalising language and culture will help Aboriginal people to learn traditional languages, both within their communities and in schools,” Mr Dominello said

“This will help build identity, self-esteem and pride. Proud young people want to go to school, and proud parents want their kids to do well at school.”

Manager Aboriginal Education and Training Unit at TAFE Western and a member of Dubbo City Council, Rod Towney said he was pleased to be a part of the State’s first Aboriginal Language and Culture Nest.

“Teaching people their language makes them feel proud and boosts their self-esteem, particularly with the young people,” Mr Towney said.

“I would like as many people as possible to learn their own language, in this case Wiradjuri, and in other parts of the State their languages.”

Mr Dominello said the nests would fill the gaps in learning pathways serving as a springboard for both school students and community members to study language, beginning from pre-school and continuing into high-school and further education.

“The nests will work with schools; create links with TAFE and universities as well as establishing other community language programs,” he said.

Aboriginal Language and Culture Nests are a key initiative of OCHRE – Opportunity, Choice, Healing, Responsibility, Empowerment , the NSW Government Plan for Aboriginal affairs.