1 December 2017
The Turnbull Government will host a National Indigenous Languages Convention on the Gold Coast on 23 February 2018. The Convention will explore how digital technologies can be used to protect and preserve Indigenous languages and encourage collaborations between language experts, communities and technology providers. It will also assist communities to develop their capabilities to use digital platforms.
Of the estimated 250 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages, about 120 are still spoken, but most of these remain in danger of being lost.
The Convention is part of the Government’s additional $10 million commitment over four years for innovative projects protecting, preserving and celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages.
Other projects include multi-media platforms to showcase oral histories and stream Indigenous language videos and animated learning resources.
This commitment complements the $80 million over four years Indigenous Languages and Arts program. This funds Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to revive and maintain languages through the Indigenous Language Centres, and to develop and present art.
The Government is committed to closing the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians and supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to revive, maintain and promote their cultures through arts and languages.
For more information visit: www.arts.gov.au/indigenouslanguages