HomeNAIDOC WEEK | Our Languages Matter!
What is NAIDOC Week?
It is a time to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture and achievements and is an opportunity to recognise the contributions that Indigenous Australians make to our country and our society.
"The 2017 theme - Our Languages Matter - aims to emphasise and celebrate the unique and essential role that Indigenous languages play in both cultural identity, linking people to their land and water, and in the transmission of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, spirituality and rites, through story and song."
Australian Government
Why is Language important?
There are 150 Indigenous languages still spoken in Australia, but only 20 languages are not endangered. Throughout this week we will be sharing Aboriginal words and phrases from the Yugambeh language. This is the traditional language spoken throughout South East Queensland, and was taught to us by Uncle Boomerang in his last visit to Robina First. Teaching children about the Yugambeh language highlights the importance, resilience and richness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages.
"Aboriginal and Torres Strait languages are not just a means of communication, they express knowledge about everything: law, geography, history, family and human relationships, philosophy, religion, anatomy, childcare, health, caring for country, astronomy, biology and food....Each language is associated with an area of land and has a deep spiritual significance and it is through their own languages, that Indigenous nations maintain their connection with their ancestors, land and law."
Anne Martin - National NAIDOC Committee Co-Chair
