The Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Education Committee, based on the Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands in South Australia's far north-west, has formally signed the Aṉangu Bilingual Education Policy with the state's Department for Education.

The policy signing follows a brief but significant commitment made in 2018, when the South Australian Government's Aboriginal Education Strategy included a single line: "Move toward a bilingual education model that ensures proficiency for Aṉangu children in Pitjantjatjara or Yankunytjatjara and Standard Australian English as an additional language."

On that foundation, PYEC directors worked alongside the Department for Education to develop a standalone bilingual policy designed to strengthen first language learning in Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara, while supporting students to learn English as an additional language.

As part of the ceremony, Aṉangu leaders presented the department with a set of traditional tools, each carrying its own story and meaning.

The gifts were offered as a ngapartji-ngapartji — a reciprocal exchange — symbolising both partnership and accountability.

The items, PYEC said, are intended to serve as an ongoing reminder of Aṉangu expectations for how the policy will be delivered in classrooms.

Community members and education allies attended the event, marking what PYEC described as a "significant step forward for language and learning on Country."

PYEC Specialist Director Katrina Tjitayi reflected on the journey in her address to those gathered.

"From little things, let's let big things grow," she said.

With the policy now signed, the focus turns to implementation — ensuring the intent of that single line in 2018 translates into sustained bilingual practice for Aṉangu children across the APY Lands.