Don't miss out on Queensland's record $400,000 Indigenous Languages grants

The Palaszczuk Government has extended the record $400,000 Indigenous Languages Grants 2021, giving local groups, schools and Indigenous organisations the chance to secure funding to reinvigorate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages.

Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Craig Crawford said applications for Indigenous Languages grants had been extended until Friday 29 October.

“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’’ Mr Crawford said.

“Today around 50 Indigenous languages are spoken, with less than 20 being used as a first language. Many of those languages 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.”

The Palaszczuk Government’s record $400,000 Indigenous Languages Grants program comes ahead of International Decade of Indigenous Languages 2022-2032.

“Language is a big part of cultural identity and is used by Elders to pass on sacred knowledge and stories to the next generation’’ Mr Crawford said.

Mr Crawford said the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to reframing the relationship with First Nations people includes truth-telling and acknowledging the devastating impacts of historical practices on culture, languages, and communities.

“Our record Indigenous Languages Grants Program supports our commitment to meeting the Closing the Gap target of increasing the number and strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages being spoken by 2031,” he said.

Minister for Education 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, 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.

“Celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages and the connection to learning, identity and wellbeing is important on Queensland’s Path to Treaty,” she said.

The grants are proudly co-funded by Department of Seniors, Disability Services and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and the Department of Education.

Applications will close 3pm (AEST) Friday 29 October 2021. To apply or find out more visit qld.gov.au/ilg

Murgon State School and Mountain Creek State High School Parents and Citizens associations are among last year’s grant recipients delivering projects in partnership with local Elders and traditional language speakers.

At Murgon State School, work is underway on a community Yarning Circle, including a mural by students and local artists, the Langton Family, to celebrate traditional Wakka Wakka language and stories.

Mountain Creek State High School is collaborating with local Gubbi Gubbi representatives, James and Jo Doyle, to create a student code of ethics garden showcasing the school values in traditional language. 

[ENDS] Media contact: Peter Michael 0477948091