Celebrating Jarrak: Our Languages Journey

Dec 23

First Languages Australia’s major celebration in the International Year of Indigenous Languages has been the launch of Jarrak: Our Languages Journey, a collection of materials that tell the story of advocacy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages over the past fifty years.

The launch event was an opportunity to gather with language Elders to hear of their passion and dedication to reclaiming the right to hear and to speak their languages. We invited panellists to reflect on the landmark issues along their journey and points of momentum for change. We used the occasion to celebrate the progress that has been made so far and to look together towards a future of which our Elders can be proud.

In creating Jarrak we aim to display the history of language advocacy and to support ongoing efforts in the maintenance and revival of Australia's first languages. Contributions to the collection are welcome. Please contact us.

Special guests (left to right): Ethel Munn, Alberta Hornsby, Dianne Appleby, Dianne McNaboe, Dana Ober, Patrica O'Connor (front), Carolyn Briggs (back), June Schulthorpe, Eve Fesl, Trevor Buzzacott, Veronica Dobson, Bridget Priman, Bruce Thomas (back), Berndatte Duncan, Rhonda Ashby, Robert McKellan (back).

First Languages Australia

Celebrating Jarrak: Our Languages Journey

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First Languages Australia