Australia is home to more than 250 indigenous languages and last week, Aboriginal Languages Week threw a spotlight on the importance of languages as being a fundamental part of identity, a physical and spiritual connection to culture, Country and community.

Now in its second year, the NSW Government used the event to double down on its commitment to revitalise Aboriginal Languages, announcing more than $4 million in grants to fund 74 Aboriginal Language projects across the state.

Across the western plains at least seven major language groups - from Wiradjuri in the south east, Ngemba in the west and Barkindji, Wangkumara, Muruwari and Gamilaaray from the north west around to the east.

All are in varying stages of revival, with activities driven by Local Aboriginal Land Councils, schools, TAFE and others.

Aboriginal Languages are now being taught in 99 schools in the state, including many in our own region.

In 2023/24 the Aboriginal Languages Trust offered six grant programs, including a new Educational Scholarship Program, which aims to contribute to the growth of Aboriginal Languages by supporting individuals to pursue languages training and education.

Nyngan children celebrating culture and country - Image Nyngan LALC

“Aboriginal languages play a central role in strengthening our Cultural identity by connecting Aboriginal people to one another other, and to our ancestors and Country,” according to Deputy Chairperson, Aboriginal Languages Trust Cathy Trindall.

“The Trust is passionate about supporting community to celebrate and promote the incredible range of Aboriginal language activities underway across NSW.

“Aboriginal communities work tirelessly to keep languages alive, and the Trust wants to see their achievements celebrated. I encourage Aboriginal communities across NSW to celebrate and showcase their languages during NSW Aboriginal Languages Week 2024.”

According to Veneta Dutton of Nyngan Local Aboriginal Land Council, “Emphasising the importance of language revitalisation within our communities is crucial for fostering healing and deepening connections to culture – it allows country to hear us.

“Nyngan has been privileged to have Melissa Kirby from Brewarrina share her language and cultural knowledge across our community.

“Melissa, with other Aboriginal Leaders in the community, have advocated for Language Programs in Schools, promoting for the inclusion of Aboriginal education in school curriculums and to ensure we can hand knowledge down to younger generations and promote linguistic diversity,” said Mrs Dutton.

“All students in Nyngan schools have learnt the acknowledgement to country in Ngiyampaa language and the National Anthem is also being taught. The community has also held workshops where traditional languages and dance was shared."

“We have been promoting the Welcome or Acknowledgment to Country at meetings and formal events. We have had Jamie McLennan, who has shared traditional languages through music, dance and storytelling, creating a vibrant space for cultural expression.

“Language is used in art, poetry and media to express the significance of traditional languages, showcasing their beauty and importance to a broader audience.

“Language encourages partnerships between youth and elders to foster a sense of responsibility and pride in preserving and speaking traditional languages and revitalising our languages.

"By promoting our traditional languages across communities, we can create a supportive environment that honours Aboriginal culture and encourages the use of traditional languages, ultimately allowing the country to hear and appreciate these voices,” Mrs Dutton added.

Veneta Dutton (c) with Marie Johnson and Jodi Smith NLALC - Image NLALC

The funding from the NSW Government (via Aboriginal Languages Trust ALT) provides Aboriginal people and organisations the opportunity to hold events, projects and local initiatives that will tie in with their own communities. 

Events last week included Language puzzles, youth programs, Market days, Multicultural sharing sessions, community BBQ’s, School visits, picnics and outdoor screenings.