Victorian Aboriginal Language Teachers Association Forum

First Languages Australia was pleased to be invited to present at the second Victorian Aboriginal Teachers Alliance (VALTA) forum in Naarm, in February. Hosted by the Victorian Aboriginal Education Association (VAEAI), VALTA is the first professional association of Aboriginal language teachers in Australia. The Association has been established to encourage professional development networking between Victorian language educators.

Following a Welcome to Country by Wurundjeri Woiwurrung language teacher Brooke Wandin, the forum began with a truth-telling yarning circle facilitated. Held over two days with 52 delegates attending, the program included 13 presentations, three workshops, three language activities and a welcome reception. Delegates included Aboriginal language teachers in kindergartens, schools and local communities; VAEAI Local Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (LAECG) chairs and co-chairs, Registered Aboriginal Party (Traditional Owner Group) Education Officers, VAEAI staff and other presenters. It was a great event with the language educator attendees sharing tips, tools and stories of their progress.