QILAC was one of a small number of organisations invited to address the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs Inquiry into language learning in Indigenous communities. The hearing was held at Parliament House in Brisbane October 6th. The invitation to appear followed QILACs submission to the inquiry, which highlighted the need for increased funding and whole of government support for the first languages of Australia.
Nyoka Hatfield from the Dharumbal language program in Rockhampton gave an inspiring presentation on the rewards and challenges she faces in delivering a language program in schools in her area. Nyoka presented a copy of her book “Counting in the Malgadu” to the Chair of the committee Mr. Shayne Neumann and Deputy Chair Dr. Sharman Stone.
The Queensland Indigenous Languages Advisory Committee is looking to find ways to support employment opportunities for Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders who have skills relevant in any way to the maintenance and teaching of our traditional languages.
To do this, the committee is collecting information about the number of people with a range of training, experience and skills and looking to find a way to link them with service users.
The Queensland Studies Authority is calling for schools to join the trial of the P-12 Australian Indigenous languages syllabuses.
The QSA has developed Queensland’s first syllabuses in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Languages for schools to start using from 2011. The syllabus has been developed so that students will be able to study the languages associated with their own communities and local areas at school.
QSA states “the syllabuses offer a bridge for bringing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and schools together”. (more…)
1. Develop a state policy/framework for Indigenous Languages which recognises the role and importance of community based language programs.
2 Develop and support the use of protocols for language use and research.
3. Develop and maintain an effective communication network for language communities
4. Examine government policies and practices relating to Indigenous Languages
5. Advocate /Speak for Queensland languages locally, nationally and internationally.
6. Work cooperatively with other state and national organisations and committees
7. Provide support to community language groups, community organisations and individuals involved in language reclamation and
preservation.
8. Support ongoing research, strategic planning and resource development.
9. Support training and accreditation for community language teachers and language workers.
Call for Expressions of Interest to represent mainland Torres Strait Islander languages and community groups on the Queensland Indigenous Languages Advisory Committee.
(more…)
Minyahgu and welcome to the Queensland Indigenous Languages Advisory Committee website.
This site has been made available to share information about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Language programs in Queensland, while also having a look at relevant news from interstate and overseas. Please feel free to use the links on the blogsite to make your own contribution and lets see how it grows.
The title Banma Kiya means “Talk”. Banma, from a North Queensland language – Warrgamay, and Kiya, from a southern Queensland language – Yugambeh. We’d love to have your word for banma or kiya as well. Look forward to hearing from you.
Faith Baisden
Coordinator
Queensland Indigenous Languages Advisory Committee