The Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) is gearing up for its annual Indigenous Literacy Day, which is taking place on Wednesday, 4 September. This year's event promises a captivating blend of cultural immersion, educational opportunities, and artistic expressions, all centered around the theme 'Be a proud voice for Country.'
The day's festivities will kick off with a captivating film that showcases the unique stories, languages, and cultures of three Aboriginal Communities. From the Dreaming stories of the riverbank in Cunnamulla to the exploration of culture through poetry and art in Vincentia, the film will transport viewers to the heart of Indigenous Australia.
Following the film, the ILF will host a livestream event from the Sydney Opera House. This vibrant celebration will be a fusion of music, dance, art, language, and storytelling, featuring a stellar lineup of ILF ambassadors, including Jessica Mauboy, Bianca Hunt, Gregg Dreise, Justine Clarke, and Josh Pyke.
New Bilingual Books Launch
This year's Indigenous Literacy Day marks a significant milestone: the launch of three new bilingual books. These books, published by the ILF, represent a powerful commitment to preserving and promoting Indigenous languages and storytelling.
Dhurga and English Books
The first two books, ngayawanj bagan-nggul, ngayawanj barra barra-unggul (we belong to the land, we belong to the sea) and bagan, barra barra, mirriwarr (The Boys Who Found Their Way), are a collection of poems and stories written in both Dhurga and English. These books were born out of workshops conducted by proud Gunai woman, author, and award-winning multidisciplinary artist Kirli Saunders and visual arts teacher and proud Dharawal woman Jaz Corr, with Indigenous Year 7–10 students at Vincentia High School on the South Coast of NSW.
Aunty Gai Brown, Aboriginal education coordinator at Vincentia High and Wreck Bay Community member, highlighted the significance of these books: 'These books are the culmination of years of Community dedication and perseverance to revive the Dhurga language. It is the first time our Community kids have had the opportunity to express their connection to the land and waterways of their Country using the traditional language of their ancestors.'
Pitjantjatjara Picture Book
The third book, Yalta Ngayuku Papa? (Where’s My Dog?), is a picture book written in both English and Pitjantjatjara. It was created through a workshop with Scottish writer Stewart Ennis and Community consultant and artist Ange Leech, involving students of Tjuntjuntjara Remote Community School, home of the Spinifex people, located in the Great Victoria Desert in Western Australia.
Ennis shared his insights into the book's creation: 'There are a lot of dogs in Tjuntjuntjara and the children’s dogs all had these fantastic names—Wi-Fi, One-Side, Army Girl, and so on. That was interesting enough, but then they began to draw their dogs, and these dog pictures were so full with character … But one of the most important characters in the book is Country itself, so it makes sense that each page of the book is framed by the images of the Tjuntjuntjara red dirt earth.'
Students Journey to Sydney
Students who participated in the creation of these books will have the extraordinary opportunity to travel to Sydney for the ILD event. This will be a momentous occasion for these young authors and illustrators, allowing them to share their work with a wider audience and experience the celebration of Indigenous culture firsthand.
Sharing Stories, Keeping Culture Alive
Jessica Mauboy, a passionate advocate for Indigenous literacy and a prominent ILF ambassador, aptly summed up the importance of storytelling in preserving Indigenous cultures: 'Stories are so important,' she said. 'Sharing stories, songs, and keeping the fire of culture alive is so important to who I am! These deadly stories from First Nations Communities keep culture and language alive.'
Indigenous Literacy Day 2024 is a testament to the enduring spirit of Indigenous communities and their unwavering commitment to sharing their stories, languages, and cultures with the world. The ILF's dedication to supporting Indigenous literacy and celebrating Indigenous voices is a vital force in ensuring that the rich heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples continues to thrive for generations to come.
A Proud Voice for Country
The ILF's theme for this year's Indigenous Literacy Day, 'Be a proud voice for Country,' encapsulates the spirit of celebration and empowerment that will resonate throughout the event. It serves as a reminder of the importance of Indigenous voices and their profound connection to the land and waterways of their Country. By actively participating in this day, individuals can play a role in supporting Indigenous literacy and amplifying the stories and cultures that are so essential to the tapestry of Australian society.
