Mitch Tambo and Ngulmiya Nundhirribala join PULiiMA Indigenous Language Conference

Joseph Guenzler Published August 2, 2023 at 2.00pm (AWST)

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Mitch Tambo was recently announced to perform at the PULiiMA Indigenous Language Conference (Image:

The highly anticipated PULiiMA Indigenous Language and Technology Conference, scheduled for August 21-25, 2023, has announced its lineup of entertainers.

Among them are renowned artists Mitch Tambo and Ngulmiya Nundhirribala, who will showcase their musical talents and expressions of Indigenous language.

The PULiiMA Indigenous Language and Technology Conference is held on Larrakia Country, Darwin, and is structured around five crucial streams dedicated to the conservation and revitalisation of Indigenous languages: Stop the Loss, Community is Centre, Intergenerational Knowledge Transfer, Caring for Country, and Truth Telling and Celebration.

For generations, music, song, and dance have held significant roles in Australian Indigenous culture, serving as both artistic expressions and crucial aspects of identity, heritage, and language preservation.

Mitch Tambo, a proud Gomeroi man and Indigenous musician, will kick off the three-day conference with his powerful fusion of traditional Aboriginal sounds and language, combined with modern production.

*Ngulmiya Nundhirribala also joins in at the PULiiMA Indigenous Language Conference (Image: Anthony Gray)*

Ngulmiya Nundhirribala, an internationally acclaimed songman and ceremony leader from Numbulwar SE Arnhem Land, will also perform stage during the PULiiMA 2023 Gala Dinner Event and 'Australia's Got Language' talent contest.

Racking up multiple awards, he has previously opened the 2000 Sydney Olympics with the Red Flag Dancers, who will also perform at the conference.

Throughout the five-day event, attendees will have the opportunity to witness performances by esteemed groups, including the Torres Strait Dancers, Tiwi Singers, and the talented musician Nathan May.

The Tiwi Strong Women's Group, respected Elders and knowledge holders, will also be present at the conference. They act as mentors in their community, drawing on their experience of Tiwi song traditions to help young Tiwi people connect with their language and cultural identity.

The Neguams Dance Troupe, a Torres Strait dancers' group, was founded on the principles of families and community coming together to share their knowledge, especially with the younger generation through singing, dancing, storytelling, arts, and crafts.

The PULiiMA Conference is not only a celebration of Indigenous excellence but also a commitment to the preservation and revitalisation of Indigenous languages.

By bringing together Elders and Indigenous thought-leaders from around the world, the conference is a crucial event for those involved.

Newcastle-based Aboriginal NGO, Miromaa Aboriginal Language and Technology Centre's manager, Daryn McKenny said "In 2023 we have an opportunity to set the baseline for the next decade and make a real, concerted effort to reverse the language loss that is still happening."

"PULiiMA 2023 is that opportunity for us all to come together, not just nationally but globally and recognise not just the amazing achievements by many, but to also be brave enough to say there is still a lot of hard work ahead from all levels," said Mr McKenny.

For those interested in attending, more information about the PULiiMA Indigenous Language and Technology Conference, including the workshop and presentation schedule, and registration details can be found on the PULiiMA website.