Law to revive and recognise Australian Indigenous languages

Wednesday, 11 October 2017

It was an emotional day for Dr Ray Kelly when the NSW government introduced the nation's first laws to recognise and revive Indigenous languages.

r Raymond Kelly, right, says language gives Indigenous people a sense of identity, connection and belonging. Dr Kelly is pictured with first year medical student David Parsons, left, and Wollotuka Institute project officer Kua Swan, centre.
LANGUAGE MATTERS: Dr Raymond Kelly, right, says language gives Indigenous people a sense of identity, connection and belonging. Dr Kelly is pictured with first year medical student David Parsons, left, and Wollotuka Institute project officer Kua Swan, centre.

Dr Kelly was given special permission to address the members of the Upper House in Parliament today.

He sung and spoke his Dunghutti language before stressing the importance of traditional languages to Aboriginal people and the significance of the proposed Bill.

"If the resources are made available, we believe that we will bring great change to those languages considered dead," Dr Kelly said.

According to Dr Kelly the bill has been 30 to 40 years in the making, so that many of the people advocating for the bill have since passed away.

He said that it was important to recognise all the energy and effort these people have put into making something momentous happen.

"[this Bill is] for all of those older people who are no longer walking the path with us.” Dr Kelly said.

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