The statement has been collectively drafted by Top End First Nations language advocates and experts at two forums in 2022 and 2025, alongside other contributions and consultations with Top End groups over the last five years. The first forum, in 2022, marked the start of the UNESCO International Decade of Indigenous Languages, an opportune moment to discuss and reflect on a vision of what support is needed and what action required to strengthen Top End languages by the end of the decade and beyond. More than 30 First Nations languages and 10 Top End communities were represented at the forums and in the drafting of the statement. The drafting of the statement has been led and guided by Rarrtjiwuy Melanie Herdman, Pirrawayingi Puruntatameri, Jenny Manmarulu and Ian Mongunu Gulula, with organisational support provided by CDU, and funding by AIATSIS. The Top End Strong Languages Statement is below.
The Top End Strong Languages Statement
The Top End Strong Languages Statement was recently launched at the CDU Casuarina Campus. The statement is a declaration calling for shared commitment to bilingual education and language teaching in schools, community language governance, and support for grassroots-led language revival and continuation for Top End First Nations communities.
- Published on
