Narragunnawali news issue 4

Page 1

NEWS

RECONCILIATION IN SCHOOLS AND EARLY LEARNING

Narragunnawali: Reconciliation in Schools and Early Learning acknowledges and pays respect to the past, present and future Traditional Custodians and Elders of this nation and the continuation of cultural, spiritual and educational practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

NARRAGUNNAWALI UPDATE Language is a fundamental tool that allows us to express ourselves, communicate and connect with each other, and learn about our world and the unique lived experiences within it. In Australia, at least 250 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages were spoken at the time of colonisation. About 120 of these languages are still spoken today, however, it is estimated that 110 are endangered or at serious risk of no longer being spoken. Efforts to maintain, revitalise and revive Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages have been accelerating in recent years. Schools and early learning services are acknowledging that they have a part to play in supporting communities in this process, and are engaging in innovative

ISSUE NO. 4 2016

Ancestors have walked this country and we acknowledge their special and unique contribution to our shared histories, cultures and languages. We recognise the collective contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians in educating all people across this country.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander language projects across Australia. This issue of Narragunnawali News focuses on the significant role honouring, learning about and nurturing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages plays in progressing reconciliation. We bring you stories of celebration and resilience from schools, early learning services, educators and teachers engaged with First Languages programs in the hope of providing ideas for how you too can make an impact. As the year begins to wind down, we send our gratitude and best wishes to the teachers and educators that are committed to driving reconciliation in their schools and early learning services. We encourage you and your colleagues to reflect on how far your reconciliation journey has come, and where it is heading—for you as an individual, for your school or early learning service, and for our nation. We hope that you feel proud of all that you have achieved and come back next year refreshed and inspired to continue the journey.


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.