PULiiMA Conference maps path to Indigenous language conservation

Joseph Guenzler Published June 28, 2023 at 12.20pm (AWST)

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The PULiiMA Indigenous Language and Technology Conference will be held in Darwin from 21-25 August. (Image: Façon Australia)

The PULiiMA Indigenous Language and Technology Conference has drawn specialised organisations, experts, and delegates from across Australia and around the globe in an effort to tackle the Indigenous language crisis by formulating an essential conservation and revitalisation strategy.

In the midst of the United Nations' designated "International Decade of Indigenous Languages" (2022-2032), the highly anticipated eighth biennial PULiiMA Conference is a must-attend for Indigenous individuals invested in the restoration, preservation, revitalisation of languages.

Held on Larrakia Country in Darwin, every aspect of the Conference falls into one of five crucial streams crucial to conservation and revitalisation.

They are; Stop the Loss, Community is Centre, Intergenerational Knowledge Transfer, Caring for Country, and Truth telling and Celebration.

Stop the Loss: Securing the future and continuance of Indigenous languages through immediate action and ongoing support.

Community is Centre: Indigenous people, their leadership, priorities, cultural protocols and voices must be at the heart of all language activity – led by community, for community.

Intergenerational Knowledge Transfer: Conserving and restoring intergenerational knowledge transfer through systemic change and a holistic approach to language learning, and embedding languages across a wide range of sectors.

Caring for Country: Ensuring everyone has the opportunity to practice their language and culture on Country.

Truth telling and Celebration: Indigenous people have the right to speak their language with integrity and pride, and wider Australia to share this pride, respecting and celebrating Australia's first languages and all that they encompass.

Newcastle-based Aboriginal NGO, Miromaa Aboriginal Language and Technology Centre's manager, Daryn McKenny noted "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."

More information about PULiiMA Indigenous Language and Technology Conference including the full workshop, presentation schedule and registration is available via the PULiiMA website.