MEDIA RELEASE: INDIGENOUS LITERACY DAY - WEDNESDAY, 4 SEPTEMBER 2019

INDIGENOUS LITERACY DAY

Today is Indigenous Literacy Day. This is a day to celebrate Indigenous culture through language and literature.

The language and stories of First Nations People are national treasures that all Australians can be proud of – Indigenous and non-Indigenous alike.

Indigenous language and stories bring people closer to the Indigenous worldview and in connection with thousands of generations of history and culture.

All Australians should take this opportunity to learn about Indigenous languages and immerse themselves in Indigenous stories.

Today is a day to reflect on the challenges and opportunities in the efforts to close the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous in quality of life outcomes, especially reading and numeracy – which remain not on track.

All Australians should have equal access to literacy resources, especially for those children living in remote communities.

First Nations Australians should have the opportunity to learn language and culture.

Language and culture are integral to improving Indigenous literacy outcomes.

And strengthening identity and connection to culture is imperative to improving Indigenous quality of life outcomes.

This year is also the International Year of Indigenous Languages – a reminder that thousands of Indigenous languages around the world are at risk of disappearing.

Everyone has an opportunity to participate in Indigenous Literacy Day. Visit the Indigenous Literacy Foundation for more information on how you or your organisation can get involved.

WEDNESDAY, 4 SEPTEMBER 2019