Reconciliation Week 2024: Revitalising Indigenous Languages

Rena Gao

Held at the Arts Hall, Old Arts, the 2024 Reconciliation Week free breakfast and talk was a profound event organized by Ashley Michailaros and the School of Languages and Linguistics as part of their Diversity and Inclusion Calendar on 29th May 2024. The event provided a unique opportunity for the staff from the Arts to gather after an entire semester, commencing with a delightful morning tea. John Hajek, the head of the school, inaugurated the event by discussing the day’s theme and expressing gratitude to the sponsors who made the event possible. The high demand for the event was evident as all 100 tickets were quickly booked out.

The proceedings began with a captivating didgeridoo performance, followed by a traditional Welcome to Country by local Wurundjeri Elder Russell Dawson, setting a respectful and enriching tone for the event.

The highlight of the event was a talk by Thomas Watson, a remarkable individual from the Gangulu, Garingbal, and Wadja communities. Thomas has dedicated the past five years to revitalizing his indigenous language, despite having a background in health and biomedical sciences as an Osteopath. His journey into the realm of indigenous languages began when he realized that his ancestral language was no longer spoken. This realization sparked a passion that led him to immerse himself in language revitalization efforts.

Over the last six months, Thomas has made significant strides in his mission, including the creation of the first Gangulu Learners Guide and Dictionary. This endeavor is a critical step towards restoring and preserving his language. During his talk, Thomas shared personal stories about his upbringing and how he came to appreciate the uniqueness of his language during his university years in his early 20s. His journey of self-discovery and commitment to his heritage was both inspiring and enlightening.

Thomas’s collaborative efforts have extended globally, working with researchers worldwide, including a notable collaboration with Yale University to co-build a dedicated website for his language. His innovative ideas on advancing language research were insightful, providing valuable perspectives on how to approach indigenous language preservation effectively.

The event underscored the importance of preserving Indigenous languages and the role of community and academic support in these efforts. Thomas Watson’s dedication serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and richness of Indigenous cultures and languages. The 2024 Reconciliation Week event was not just a celebration of linguistic heritage but also a call to action to support and engage in the revitalization of indigenous languages.