October 15, 2021
The State Government has extended applications for grants for Indigenous Languages programs until October 29.
Education Minister Grace Grace said the grants supported new and existing partnerships between schools, communities, Elders and traditional language speakers.
“The Indigenous Language Grants 2021 are a great funding boost towards initiatives bringing together Elders, Traditional Owners, language speakers and learners of all ages across Queensland,” Ms Grace said.
“Individual grants of up to $20,000 for local community and significant language initiatives will help preserve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages for current and future generations.
“Past rounds have supported language classes led by Elders and traditional language speakers, yarning circles, a language dictionary in Gunggari and building a digital resource for Erub Mer.
“Since 2019, the Queensland Government’s Indigenous Languages Grants have supported more than 55 initiatives promoting, preserving and revitalising Nations languages in Queensland communities.”
Murgon State School P&C was among last year’s grant recipients.
Work is under way on a community Yarning Circle at the school which will include a mural by students and local artists to celebrate the local Wakka Wakka language and stories.
“More than 100 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages and dialects were once spoken in Queensland, and we know how important it is to preserve and promote languages that are fundamental to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and identity’’ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Minister Craig Crawford said.
“Today around 50 Indigenous languages are spoken, with less than 20 being used as a first language. Many of those languages are predominantly spoken in North Queensland, including Cape York and the Torres Strait Islands.
“The extended closing date gives Indigenous led organisations more time to apply, leading to stronger initiatives that will promote, preserve and revive Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages.”
Applications will close 3:00pm on October 29.
- More information is available online
