2019-2020 Indigenous Languages International Speaker Series
The languages spoken by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of Australia are amongst the oldest surviving languages on the planet, and a source of great pride to the people who are now their custodians.
The time has come when all Australians, regardless of their origins should share in the celebration of these languages and feel great pride in the beauty and majesty of the culture that is enfolded by them.
It was therefore with great excitement that First Languages Australia accepted the opportunity to help send twenty first language ambassadors around the world through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Speaker Series.
This was an opportunity for Australians abroad in the Australian Consulate Offices to help showcase our languages, the story tellers, the artists and performers to an audience far beyond the homelands in Australia, in a fitting celebration of the International Year of Indigenous Languages.
It is hoped that this report captures the richness of the project and the depth of the connections made. On behalf of the language keepers, we would like to send our thanks to all in the Department who made it happen.
