JAN 26th OPPORTUNITY TO PROTECT REAL AUSTRALIAN LEGACY

Congress warned today stronger commitments were needed to protect Australian heritage by preserving and maintaining Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages.

“It is undisputed that the cultural heritage of Australia’s First Peoples is the oldest living in the world,” said Ms Jody Broun Congress Co-Chair.

“More must be done to ensure our languages are not lost, because Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages are national treasures.

“I personally congratulate Geoffrey Rush, Laurie Baymarrwangga and Marita Cheng and welcome the official acknowledgement of their achievements.

“I hope that all three might help by taking this issue up in some way during 2012.

“All around the country, events are taking place celebrating the culture and acknowledging the history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

“The recurring annual theme serves as a reminder to the nation and as a call to our peoples that it still remains true – we have survived,” said Ms Broun.

The National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples recently made detailed submissions to the Government on cultural policy and to a Parliamentary Committee on languages.

“Congress’s language submission and the numerous reports over the years, highlights the dire state of protection and maintenance of our languages across the nation.

“Warning bells should be ringing, the threat of losing uniquely Australian languages remains a constant challenge and threat.

“The signs are clear with trends showing a decline in the use of our languages over consecutive Census periods.

“This is a critical problem that must be addressed before it is too late,” she said.

Download the pdf of the media release click here.

To read the Congress Statement to the Inquiry Into Language Learning In Indigenous Communities, click here