First Nations language organisations across the country will receive a major funding boost to support culture and language.
The program will invest funding over five years to support 22 First Nations language centres and key partners to undertake language work for the sector.
Located mostly in regional and remote communities, the centres work to conserve, revitalise and sustain First Nations languages.
The Indigenous Languages and Arts (ILA) program supports First Nations people to express, conserve and maintain their cultures through language and art activities.
Grant recipients include:
- Tauondi Aboriginal Corporation - to continue and expand accredited training in learning and teaching First Nations languages, community learning and educator capability.
- First Languages Australia - to ensure language revival activities on critically endangered First Nations languages.
- Miromaa Language Technology Program – to continue and expand a First Nations-led language technology program that will strengthen community control, digital capability, language conservation, and long-term language revitalisation.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke:
“First Nations people are our country’s first storytellers.
“This funding will help safeguard First Nations languages and cultural expressions so these stories can continue to be told for generations to come.”
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy:
“As a proud Yanyuwa Garrwa woman, I know the importance of languages in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
“These innovative, community-led projects are ensuring that First Nations languages are shared and celebrated.”
More information about the ILA program, including the full list of recipients can be found at Indigenous Languages and Arts program | Office for the Arts.