Faith Baisden

It was really interesting then to be involved in discussions with representatives from AIATSIS, about the legalities relating to the release of material placed in the Institute.

Derek Nannup, Kyle Morrison and Irma Woods, members of the Yirra Yaakin Noongar Theatre, bring language and culture to life in the company's production of Djildjit (fish). The collection of traditional stories and songs is designed to reach out to young audiences with the best elements of modern theatre to support the production.

ATSICs National Policy Office staff Jackie Oakley and Lyn Ella (standing) with Cohn Strand and Commissioners Rodney Dillon and Preston Thomas.

Staff from ATSIC National Policy Office also attended, to discuss FATSIL's role in the development of a national language policy.

From March 2001, we will begin compiling language tapes and will provide them free of charge to Indigenous individuals and communities within the budget of the grant. We need to know who needs these tapes and what languages we need to concentrate on.

Noongar [Jurien Bay to Esperance, WA]

Of the thirteen dialects spoken by the Noongar people at the time of white settlement, only five still main. But while the number of fluent adult speakers has fallen dramatically, growing enthusiasm and energy in a variety of education programs has seen a revival in the teaching and use of Noongar language by people of all ages. Noongar territory covers the area from Jurien Bay to Southern Cross, and to the south between Esperance and Ravensthorpe.

Irma Woods teaches children to respect and protect the habitats and young of the little silver Djildjit (fish) swimming in the oceans.

The scope of productions from YirraYaakin ranges from world class theatre company to hands-on community development.

Included in this company's annual program are projects as far ranging and diverse as youth arts residencies in the Pilbara, dance workshops in Kwinana, performances at National Festivals along with world premieres of plays by leading Aboriginal writers.

Some of the most commonly asked questions at language forums relate to the setting up of both community and school based language teaching programs. In New South Wales the Board of Studies has responded to the need for this information with the publication of Teaching Aboriginal Languages — Case Studies'. The book presents six case studies, including one from the Northern Territory, which allow readers to gain from the experiences of those who have already established effective language teaching programs.This extract is from the case study of the Bowraville Central School.

CASE STUDY REPORT -PAUL LE CERF

Zeminda Walker (above), finds herself in the spotlight after graduating with a school certificate in Aboriginal Languages.

"I've thought of

becoming a

lawyer, but I

don't go that way

I'd do dance. I

really love it."

EACH year the location of the FATSILC AGM changes to ensure that all States and Territories are given the opportunity to host the meeting, and to allow local members in each area to attend with the least expense.

This year, the AGM will be held in Cairns, North Queensland, and will again be combined with a National Language Forum. The date of the meeting hasn't been confirmed, but is being planned for late September or October 2001. Details of the meeting will be given in the March edition of "The Voice of the Land."

FATSILC Members, Language Centres and Management Committees are encouraged to apply for funds in the financial year 2001/2002 within ATSILIP guidelines, to travel to the national Language Forum. This will be a significant opportunity to contribute to policy development, planning for education programs and improving community access to language resources for members of the stolen generation.

Lester Coyne
Chairperson
Perth, Western Australia
Mobile 0412994624
PO Box 1249
Perth WA 6105

FATSIL Committee

This was followed by a meeting with Shadow Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Bob McMullen, who asked to be kept up to date with the developments in the area of national funding, and to be allowed the opportunity to meet with FATSIL in the future.