Funding to keep Indigenous languages alive in Queensland
ARTS AND CULTURE
Schools and community groups are encouraged to apply for grants from the state government to help keep Indigenous languages alive.
Applications are open until the end of the month for 28 grants of $2,500 for local language preservation initiatives, two grants of $7,500 for significant activities, and one grant of $15,000 for a program of statewide importance.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Jackie Trad, said there is no time like now to start learning and preserving indigenous languages.
“In this, the International Year of Indigenous Languages, the Palaszczuk Government is helping communities, educators and researchers to promote and preserve Queensland’s diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages,” Ms Trad said.
“Traditional languages are an important part of the rich heritage, culture, and identity of Queensland’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
“Yet, of the more than 100 distinct Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dialects once spoken in the state, only half remain in regular use.”
Ms Trad said the grants for schools and communities to help teach Indigenous languages an important step in cultural preservation and understanding.
“We want to encourage more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders to speak their Indigenous language at home to ensure local dialects are passed on to future generations,” she said.
“The grants program is part of the Palaszczuk Government commitment to traditional languages, cultural identity and better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders.”
State Education Minister, Grace Grace, encouraged communities, school parent associations, kindergarten program providers and other interested groups to make an application.
“Around 60 schools across Queensland have already registered an interest in teaching traditional languages,” Ms Grace said.
“Schools and communities working together to teach Indigenous language is an important step in helping to close the gap on disadvantage.
“By speaking and celebrating Indigenous languages we guarantee their future.”
For more information and to apply for an Indigenous language grant, visit www.datsip.qld.gov.au/ilg
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