The Albanese Labor Government is continuing to support First Nations cultural expression by investing more than $5.1 million in community-based organisations delivering vital languages and arts activities around the country.
44 organisations will share in the funding from 2023-24, which is being delivered through the Government’s Indigenous Languages and Arts program.
The program supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to express, preserve and maintain their cultures through Indigenous languages and arts activities.
Recipients include:
- Wunambal Gaambera Aboriginal Corporation - $200,000 over two years to develop a suite of digital and physical learning resources to inspire and foster intergenerational learning of the Wunambal and Gaambera languages, from the far north Kimberley region of Western Australia.
- Darumbal People Aboriginal Corporation - $156,000 over two years to produce story books, flashcards, website material and other educational resources to strengthen and share the Darumbal language from Queensland’s Rockhampton area.
- Iwiri Aboriginal Corporation - $77,350 to produce a collection of 10 traditional bedtime stories in Pitjantjatjara – 9 audio and one animated – and make them accessible online.
- Gujaga Foundation Ltd - $55,930 to establish a Dharawal Community Language Team in New South Wales, who will develop accessible educational materials and support community to learn complex aspects of Dharawal grammar.
- Marrugeku Inc - $90,000 to deliver workshops showcasing and encouraging participation in First Nations dance practice across 9 communities in regional New South Wales and remote Western Australia.
Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, said the funding would promote the conservation and revitalisation of First Nations languages.
“First Nations languages have carried stories, songs and knowledge from generation to generation since the first sunrise.
“It’s vital we work to safeguard and strengthen these languages and the cultural expression they enable – and that’s what this funding does.”
Minister for Indigenous Australians, Linda Burney said the funding will help organisations continue the crucial work they’re doing in their communities to keep languages strong.
“Indigenous languages are integral to the identity and connection with culture for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and I look forward to seeing the positive results of these innovative projects.”
Learn more about what the Albanese Labor Government is doing to centre First Nations stories in our arts and culture through its National Cultural Policy, Revive: https://www.arts.gov.au/what-we-do/new-national-cultural-policy