Students to explore Aboriginal language revitalisation during National Reconciliation Week

Phoebe Blogg Published May 21, 2026 at 12.00pm (AWST)

education

Marrickville Public participating in Reconciliation Week activities. (Image: Parliament of NSW)

The revitalisation of Aboriginal languages will be the focus of a free online program taking place during National Reconciliation Week.

Engaging thousands of primary school students across New South Wales, the program wil be run by the Parliament of NSW and delivered in partnership with the Museums of History NSW.

Through the sessions, primary school students will hear from First Nations educators about the Aboriginal Languages Act 2017, learn why the legislation matters, explore examples of language and culture being identified in the State Archives, and take part in a creative message stick activity reflecting on reconciliation.

*Marrickville Public School students participating in Reconciliation Week activities. (Image: Parliament of NSW)*

Parliament of NSW Senior Aboriginal liaison officer, Joe Stewart, said the program will help students understand that language revitalisation plays a role in reconciliation.

"Connecting students with language and culture helps them understand their place in our shared history and future," he said.

"The Language Act shows how Parliament can listen to the voices of Elders and support communities to revitalise their languages—delivering practical, lasting impact for reconciliation through shared responsibility and action."

Strong demand has already seen over 6,000 students from 85 schools registered, with significant uptake from regional NSW schools.

*Marrickville Public students participating in Reconciliation Week activities. (Image: Parliament of NSW)*

Parliament of NSW Education senior manager, Jeannie Douglass, said the program links curriculum learning with real-world civic education.

"This program gives teachers practical, curriculum‑aligned resources they can continue to use in the classroom," she said.

The program forms part of NSW Parliament's broader commitment to civic education, reconciliation and engaging young people across the state in democratic learning, alongside ongoing collaboration with the Aboriginal Languages Trust, an Aboriginal-led NSW Government agency established under the Aboriginal Languages Act 2017 to deliver a coordinated and sustained approach to language revitalisation at local, regional and State levels.

The virtual session for Years 3 - 6 will take place at 2:10pm on Thursday 28 May, and is aligned with this year's Reconciliation Week theme, 'All In'.

Registrations are free and remain open to schools across NSW.

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