It is the International Decade of Indigenous Languages!

The United Nations General Assembly has declared 2022-2032 as the International Decade of Indigenous Languages. The aim of the Decade is to draw global attention to the critical situation of Indigenous languages and to mobilise stakeholders and resources for their strength and promotion.

In planning for the Decade, First Languages Australia has been one of three Pacific representatives on The Global Task Force, collaborating with partners around the world to develop a Global Action Plan for the Decade.

At home, the Australian government has established a Languages Policy Taskforce within the Office of the Arts. The Taskforce, is establishing an expert Directions Group to guide their work through the Decade. Together with the Taskforce, First Languages Australia will continue our work toward national policy and legislation for our languages, along with an increase in support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages to bring them in line with per capita investment in New Zealand or Spain.

Throughout the Decade, First Languages Australia will continue and extend our work in promoting community language programs, events activities and partnerships. Please contact us to share your stories. Additionally, we will be focusing on developing new partnerships that see direct benefits for community language activities.