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Before European arrival Australia was home to over 250 distinct languages. Tragically, in the last 218 years Australia has suffered the largest and most rapid loss of languages known worldwide.

NSW is currently the only state in Australia that has developed a comprehensive state-wide Indigenous languages policy.

Join academics, community language workers and politicians as they discuss the urgent need to protect and maintain Australia's languages. Supporting languages is an intrinsic part of protecting and valuing Indigenous cultures. It can provide the key to unlocking Indigenous disadvantage.

The session is being presented by Big hART, producers of Ngapartji Ngapartji, a highly acclaimed and moving theatre piece, currently in season at the Belvoir St Theatre as a part of the Sydney Festival. Ngapartji Ngapartji: meaning ‘I Give You Something, You Give Me Something’; is a concept governing relationships and exchange in Pitjantjatjara society and culture.

A rare, compelling and essential gift – Sydney Morning Herald

This is searingly truthful, vital theatre…. certain to be remembered as one of the memorable productions of the year – Daily Telegraph


A public forum on Australian Indigenous languages presented by Big hART and the Ngapartji Ngapartji team.

Speakers:
Makinti Minutjukur, Pukatja Community Liaison
Kevin Lowe Inspector, Aboriginal Education, NSW Board of Studies
Daryn Mckenny, General Manager, Arwarbukarl Cultural Resource Assn
Jody Bruan Director General, NSW Department of Aboriginal Australia
Alex Kelly Creative Producer, Ngapartji Ngapartji

Hosted by: Prof. Larissa Behrendt - Research Director, Jumbunna Indigenous House of Learning, UTS

Venue: Belvoir Street Theatre. Belvoir St, Surry Hills, Sydney
Date/Time: 6-7pm, Wednesday January 30th 2008