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IYIL2019: Australian Government Action Plan

The Australian Government has released an Action Plan as part of its commitment to supporting the preservation, revival, promotion and celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages.

The Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) is pleased to be contributing a number of key initiatives to the Plan.

It complements the United Nations Action Plan, developed as part of the 2019 International Year of Indigenous Languages (IYIL2019), to raise awareness about the crucial role languages play in people’s daily lives.

The Australian Government Action Plan has committed to undertaking actions to:

  • Support the revitalisation and maintenance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages,
  • Provide access to education, information and knowledge in and about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages, and
  • Promote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge and values.

IYIL2019 is an opportunity for all Australians to recognise the importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages which are central to identity and cultural connections. Their use has been shown to improve education and wellbeing outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Find out more

Media enquiries

Commsmedia@aiatsis.gov.au or Ph: 02 6246 1605

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Last updated: 10 December 2020