Join us in celebrating NSW Aboriginal Languages Week by participating in Aboriginal Language and Culture learning, connecting with local Aboriginal communities and supporting community led efforts to reclaim, revitalise and strengthen Aboriginal Languages for future generations.

The NSW Department of Education recognises the importance of NSW Aboriginal Languages Week and our ongoing commitment to the reclamation, revitalisation and celebration of Aboriginal Languages across all educational settings.

Supporting Aboriginal Language learning, under the guidance and authority of local Aboriginal communities, strengthens cultural identity and deeper connections between schools, early learning services, families and Aboriginal communities. This work enriches our education system, benefits all students, families and staff, and supports the commitments of the Aboriginal Education Policy.

‘Living Languages, Strong Futures’

This year’s theme ‘Living Languages, Strong Futures’ acknowledges Aboriginal communities across NSW who are leading the way in keeping Languages strong through learning, sharing, teaching and speaking Language every day.

During NSW Aboriginal Languages Week, we celebrate this continuing work and look ahead to a future where Aboriginal Languages continue to grow, thrive and are passed on to future generations.

We also honour the courage, strength and resilience of Aboriginal families and communities who, despite past government policies, continued to carry and pass on language through generations often at the risk of facing punishment. Today, our languages are living and strong because of them.

Embed Aboriginal Languages and Culture in classrooms and learning

NSW Aboriginal Languages Week is an opportunity to embed language learning into classroom lessons, activities, events and school programs.

• Use our NSW Aboriginal Languages Week videos and resources to embed Aboriginal Language and Culture learning into classroom lessons and activities.
• Work with your Local AECG, local Aboriginal community, Elders and appropriate Language knowledge holders to ensure local Language and Culture are incorporated into teaching and learning in ways that respect local community authority and protocols.
• Engage Elders, Aboriginal community members and language and knowledge holders to share stories, words and cultural knowledge with students.
• Encourage students to explore and celebrate their cultural identity through language projects across subject areas.
• Support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in leading language initiatives and sharing their voices.
• Promote family and community involvement in language learning to strengthen intergenerational connection.

Cultural principles and protocols

When it comes to teaching and learning Aboriginal languages and culture, schools must work in partnership with their local Aboriginal communities, in line with local cultural principles and protocols.

Get involved

Share your Aboriginal Languages Week celebrations

Share how your school, early learning service, or workplace is celebrating NSW Aboriginal Languages Week on Viva Engage by using #NSWAboriginalLanguagesWeek #LivingLanguagesStrongFutures, or on social media by tagging @NSW Department of Education.

Download Teams background

Help spark conversations by downloading and using the NSW Aboriginal Languages Week 2026 Teams backgrounds. It’s a small but visual way to show your support for Aboriginal Language revitalisation in our schools, early learning services and across the department.

Start your school’s language revitalisation journey

Connect with your Local Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (AECG) or Language groups to learn how you can support language revitalisation in your school. You can also contact our Aboriginal Languages and Cultures team for information, resources and support to help your school embed Aboriginal Language and Culture into teaching, learning and school-wide programs. Email the team at AboriginalLanguagesAndCulturesCorro@det.nsw.edu.au.

Keep an eye on this page for new video resources coming soon!

Closer to Aboriginal Languages Week, we’ll be releasing exciting new video resources, including a Wiradjuri rap, Gumbaynggirr bush tucker walk, greetings from Language Nest students, and early learners embracing Gamilaraay language.

Join the conversation

Everyone is welcome to join the Aboriginal Education community on Viva Engage and Statewide Staffroom. It is a great way to join the conversation about Aboriginal Languages and Cultures in our schools and early learning services.