Australian launch of the International Decade of Indigenous Languages

The United Nations General Assembly has declared the period between 2022 and 2032 as the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (IDIL) to draw attention to the critical status of many Indigenous languages across the world and encourage action. IDIL was officially launched in Australia at the PULiiMA: Indigenous Languages and Technology Conference.

In a heartfelt speech at the launch, Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, said, "At its heart, there's no such thing as true translation. Every language contains words, ideas, concepts and emotions that only live within that language. It's up to us to provide the support to make sure that those words and concepts — that describe stories going back to the first sunrise — will always be preserved and cherished on this land."

Following his speech, the Minister joined Annalee Little in conversation with members of the Directions Group for the IDIL, who each shared their expectations and aspirations for the Decade.

A focus for the launch was the release of Voices of Country - Australia’s Action Plan for the International Decade of Indigenous Languages 2022 - 2032.

Australian Launch of the International Decade of Indigenous Languages