Theme 3: Promote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge and values
One of UNESCO's major objectives is to raise awareness of both the risks associated with the loss of language, and how language and knowledge systems could aid in sustainable development, reconciliation, and good governance. Many Australians may not be aware of the importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages to Australia's cultural identity, or of the risk associated with their loss. There are many ways we can start to raise this awareness.
As an integral part of cultural expression Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages are celebrated through many cultural and creative events across the country. We will put a spotlight on these activities and increase the focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages to not only celebrate them but share the challenges they are facing. The Australia Council for the Arts is a key provider of funding for arts activities around the nation and it supports a broad range of activities to support First Nations arts and cultural expression, delivered through funding programs, targeted investment, capacity building, and strategic development and research. Screen Australia's Indigenous Department directs funding towards producing versions of their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander content in language. The IY2019 affords an opportunity for new partnerships between government bodies and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander language groups to occur in these arenas and other cultural events. We encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander language streams to be incorporated in existing events or conferences and for specific events to be held to draw attention to the year and its significance.
Broadcasters, such as the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and the SBS, play a crucial role in raising awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages among all Australians. The ABC launches initiatives through its Indigenous platform and is currently undertaking activities such as This Place and station identifications (know as 'indents') in language on ABC Local Radio. National Indigenous Television (NITV), as part of the SBS network, makes content by, for and about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and provides drama, documentary, news and current affairs, sport, entertainment, and feature films. In addition, there are 91 long-term and 60 temporary community radio licences representing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community interests throughout Australia, with programming in some 25 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages. Through the IAS, around $21 million per year has been allocated across 44 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander broadcasting and media organisations (urban, regional and remote) for the delivery of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander broadcasting services. The contribution from our national and community broadcasters will continue under the IY2019.
The Australian Government will increase its promotion of activities that support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages under the IY2019 by collaborating across government, with non-government bodies and interested stakeholders. We will facilitate the sharing of stories and information on the importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages that demonstrate the connection of language to land, culture, history, science, knowledge systems, and wellbeing. This will include a renewed focus on the awareness of tourism experiences or recreational activities that feature Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages. Market research from Tourism Australia found that approximately 15 per cent of our international visitors engage in an Aboriginal tourism experience,viii and 60 per cent of international consumers find Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander tourism experiences appealing.ix
Under the UNESCO framework for the IY2019 the Australian Government will aim to:
Some specific work to support this aim includes:
- Showcase the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Strategy for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park as a strong commitment to preservation of living culture, including language. This includes implementing grants to support cultural preservation and promotion activities by Traditional Owner groups, which may include language recording and promotion, signage in language and intergenerational language transfer.
- Showcase activities Parks Australia may undertake where language is included, such as use of interpreters, translations of legislation, signage, and digital audience resources.
- Encourage the science and technology informal learning sector to explore ways to showcase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages in their science communication activities
- Promote tourism experiences that highlight Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages.
- Developing a web resource for local libraries to promote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages and to engage with local language communities.
- Focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages within existing government hosted events.
- AIATSIS will dedicate a stream in the AIATSIS National Indigenous Research Conference to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages.
- The ILA grant program will continue to fund Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander language forums, gatherings and events.
Some specific work to support this aim includes:
- Publish and create awareness through Reconciliation Action Plans from Australian Government Departments, signalling an intention to promote an inclusive and diverse culture where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages are considered a core component of reconciliation.
- Departments will hold internal activities to promote, recognise and raise awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages.
- Encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages to be considered in employee, infrastructure and planning processes, such as schemes to support staff learning Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages, develop interpreter and translator skills and qualifications and adopt best practice models in use of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander language in offices and through services and products.
Some specific work to support this aim includes:
- Encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander champions in the IY2019 projects and existing initiatives to advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages.
- Identify opportunities for artists championing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages.
Some specific work to support this aim includes:
- Promote events funded under the Australia Council, Festivals Australia and Regional Arts Fund, as part of existing arts and culture festivals, including traditional language and cultural workshops, music events and song writing workshops.
- ABC will undertake a collaborative project with First Languages Australia inviting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to contribute video stories around place names. ABC will also announce local stations in language, and continue to produce Word Up and the Marrin Gamu competition.
- SBS and ABC will include content to celebrate Indigenous culture and languages in their programming, such as material in or including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages.
- Communicate the significance of the IY2019 within government initiatives such as the Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support program, the Visions of Australia Program, and the National Collecting Institutions Touring and Outreach Program.
Some specific work to support this aim includes:
- The Australian Government will hold an exhibition or launch event to celebrate, honour and generate interest in IY2019.
- Maintain and promote a Calendar of Activities occurring across the country for the IY2019, including government, community and other activities.
- Launch a UNESCO Year of Indigenous Languages Commemorative Coin.
- Encourage organisations to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages as part of NAIDOC week, in recognition of the 2019 theme – Voice. Treaty. Truth.
