Aboriginal Languages and cultures
AECD supports the development and coordination of programs in the areas of Aboriginal languages and culture.
Aboriginal language programs in schools
The NSW Department of Education is committed to increasing the learning and teaching of Aboriginal Languages in NSW public schools. They provide advice, guidance and resources to NSW public schools to implement Aboriginal Language programs in partnership with their local Aboriginal community.
Aboriginal Language programs operate to enable Aboriginal communities to preserve, teach and use their local Aboriginal Language. Learning an Aboriginal Language provides an opportunity for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students to better understand local Aboriginal culture and helps build identity, self-esteem and resilience among Aboriginal students.
Cultural principles and protocols
When teaching and learning Aboriginal Languages and Culture, it is essential that schools work in partnership with their local Aboriginal community, respecting the community cultural principles and protocols.
In NSW, these principles and protocols differ between communities. Schools must adhere to the relevant local protocols when engaging with Aboriginal people, sourcing local language speakers and developing or delivering school based programs that maintain and revitalise local Aboriginal Languages and Cultures.
To learn more about local cultural principles and protocols, schools are encouraged to contact their Local AECG, Aboriginal education consultants, local Aboriginal Land Councils and/or Aboriginal Language Centres.
Aboriginal Language and Culture Nests
Aboriginal Language and Culture Nests provide NSW public school students with opportunities to learn local Aboriginal Languages and Cultural practices, supporting the maintenance and revitalisation of Aboriginal Languages across the state.
The department partners with the NSW Aboriginal Education Consultive Group Inc (NSW AECG) as the delivery partners for the Nest program.
An Aboriginal Language and Culture Nest is a network of communities bound together by their connection to an Aboriginal Language. Each Nest strengthens local Language learning, cultural knowledge, and community partnerships.
A Nest Footprint is a designated area in which schools can access Aboriginal Language and Culture lessons delivered by NSW AECG Language Educators.
Aboriginal Language and Culture Nests are designed to provide a continuous learning pathway for Aboriginal students. The Language skills and knowledge of Aboriginal Language and culture holders and/or speakers from local Aboriginal communities is critical to the continuing development and support of teaching and learning in the Nests.
The Nests are part of a broader set of government priorities to reclaim, revoice and revitalise critically endangered Aboriginal Languages in NSW, governed by the NSW Aboriginal Languages Act 2017, the Department’s Aboriginal Education Policy and its Partnership Agreement with the NSW AECG.
The Languages, Culture and Communities team, within the Department’s Aboriginal Education and Communities Directorate, is responsible for the implementation and support of the Nest initiative under these policies.
There are currently seven Aboriginal Language and Culture Nests, with the hopes to grow and expand in the future.
The Nest Footprints are located in seven regional Language areas:
Please note that community listings may be updated further following consultations with Nest Reference Groups.
Bundjalung
The Bundjalung Language and Culture Nest was launched in Lismore on 20 February 2014.
The Bundjalung Language and Culture Nest spans across communities in Ballina, Bonalbo, Casino, Coraki, Evans Head, Grafton, Kyogle, Lismore, Tabulam, Tweed Heads, Woodenbong and surrounds.
Dunghutti
The Dunghutti Aboriginal Language and Culture Nest became a fully-fledged Nest in January 2023.
The Dunghutti Aboriginal Language and Culture Nest includes the communities of Bellbrook, Crescent Head, Kempsey, South-West Rocks, Walcha and surrounds.
Gamilaraay/Yuwaalaraay/Yuwaalayaay
The Gamilaraay/Yuwaalaraay/Yuawaalayaay Language and Culture Nest was launched in Lightning Ridge on 2 May 2014.
The Gamilaraay/Yuwaalaraay/Yuawaalayaay Language and Culture Nest include communities in Collarenebri, Goodooga, Lightning Ridge, Walgett and surrounds.
Gomeroi
The Gomeroi Aboriginal Language and Culture Nest became a fully-fledged Nest in January 2023.
The Gomeroi Aboriginal Language and Culture Nest includes the communities of Gunnedah, Quirindi, Tamworth, Walhallow, Werris Creek and surrounds.
Gumbaynggirr
The Gumbaynggirr Language and Culture Nest was launched in Coffs Harbour on 19 February 2014.
The Gumbaynggirr Language and Culture Nest covers communities in Bellingen, Coffs Harbour, Dorrigo, Nambucca Valley, Northern Beaches, Orara, Sawtell, South Grafton, Toormina, Urunga and surrounds.
North West Wiradjuri
The North West Wiradjuri Language and Culture Nest was launched on the 25 October 2013.
The North West Wiradjuri Language and Culture Nest has established strong links in communities in Dubbo, Gilgandra, Mudgee, Narromine, Peak Hill, Trangie, Wellington and surrounds.
Paakantji/Baakinjti
The Paakantji/Baakantji Aboriginal Language and Culture Nest was launched on 30 April 2014.
The Paakantji/Baakantji Aboriginal Language and Culture Nest includes the communities of Bourke, Broken Hill, Coomealla, Menindee, Wilcannia and surrounds.
Nests aim to:
- improve knowledge of, and competency in, local Aboriginal Languages
- strengthen Aboriginal identity, pride and community resilience
- increase the number of Language learners
- increase the number of Language teachers
- contribute to improved student engagement, attendance and retention through cultural education
Links to OCHRE Plan
Opportunity, Choice, Healing, Responsibility, Empowerment.
The Nests were established in 2013 under OCHRE, the community-focused plan for Aboriginal Affairs in NSW. The OCHRE plan aligns with the Department’s commitment to teach Aboriginal Languages in NSW public schools and work in partnership with the NSW AECG to ensure 'Aboriginal students are confident in their heritage, cultures and Languages'.
Aboriginal Language and Culture Officers
Each of the Aboriginal Language and Culture Nests has an Aboriginal Language and Culture Officer (ALACO). Their role includes collaborating with schools, local Aboriginal Language holders and/or speakers, NSW AECG Project Officers and Educators, and local Nest reference groups. ALACOs work to develop and implement quality Aboriginal Language programs for students across their respective Nest.
Aboriginal Language Educators
Aboriginal Language Educators are critical to the teaching and learning of Aboriginal Languages across the nest schools. Aboriginal Language tutors are local Aboriginal Language speakers, employed by NSW AECG in accordance with the NSW Department of Education’s policies and procedures. Educators are responsible for providing support to students to learn an Aboriginal Language that has been approved by the local community.
Nest Reference Groups
Nest Reference Groups are independent community bodies, separate from the Department and the NSW AECG. They meet quarterly to proactively support and set direction for the Nest initiative. They have the right to self-determination and should encourage diverse community members to participate.
NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA)
The teaching and learning of Aboriginal Languages in schools across the Nests is also supported by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA).
NESA provides foundations and guidance for the teaching of Aboriginal Languages programs in schools through:
Pathways Program: Certificate I in Tourism (Aboriginal Indigenous Culture)
This VET in Schools course creates learning pathways for Stage 5 students. The course broadens VET options by bridging student’s career aspirations with work experience in their local area and developing student’s leadership skills. It provides students with opportunities to learn about local Aboriginal Language and culture and engage with aspects of local tourism knowledge through On Country experiences guided by Elders and knowledge holders.
The course also supports the revitalisation and sustainability of Aboriginal Languages, with local community members playing a key role in the development of course materials and use of Aboriginal Language and culture to maintain cultural integrity.
The pilot program was launched at Nambucca Heads High School on Gumbaynggirr Country in 2023 and has since been delivered in Dubbo College Delroy Campus on Wiradjuri Country and Broken Hill High School on Paakantji Country.
Learn more about the pilot program in the video below:
Parent
This program has been important for my son just because he doesn't really fit into the school curriculum. I feel like it's a much needed necessity in the school because my son in particular thrives better surrounding culture and language.
Student
His name is River, but in Gumbaynggirr it’s Bindarray.
Teacher
I see that cultural connection coming back in.
Teacher
What I can say about the impact of the program first and for most is that it increased attendance and the fact that students could learn about their own cultural sites, learn about the protocols involved in that, work with Elders to be able to be experts on their own Country, about their own Country.
Uncle Michael Jarrett
I’ll take some pictures of you guys so you can download it onto your computer when we get back to school.
Teacher
The whole assessment was based around developing a tourism brochure for the local area, which incorporated the local languages and the storylines.
Uncle Michael Jarrett
This is a step, I say, to see the students stepping out of their comfort zone.
Student
We don't have any classes that teach us about our culture at school, so this is really good so I can get out and really learn about my culture.
We don't have any classes that teach us about our culture at school, so this is really good so I can get out and really learn about my culture.Student
I like it to see how things used to be.
Student
It's just nice out here. Good to hang out with friends and better than being here then at school.
Student
I could take people on tours and teach them the language that I've learnt, especially because it's like our own language so it feels special.
[End transcript]
Aboriginal Language and Culture Nest Guidelines
Contact
For further information contact the NSW Department of Education’s, Aboriginal Education and Communities Directorate, Languages, Culture and Communities team using the following contact details:
Email: AboriginalLanguagesandCulturesCorro@det.nsw.edu.au