Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages sustain living connections to Country, lands, waters, skies and place across generations. The continuation and strengthening of first languages are vital for culture, identity and community, carrying knowledge forward for future generations.

Bringing together Indigenous peoples, including Elders and artists from diverse language groups and creative practices, this collective conversation celebrates and explores how old words are finding new places and resonance within contemporary Indigenous creative practices.

Join us and hear from Ngugi artist Elisa Jane Carmichael, Gunditjmara artist Dr Vicki Couzens, Gurindji/Malngin artist Leah Leaman, Gamilaraay/Wailwan and Biripi artist r e a and led by Pakana Curator Dr Zoe Rimmer for the first in a series of public conversations highlighting the embodiment, activation and renewed presence of First Nations languages.

This panel is presented in partnership with the School of Languages and Cultures and is funded by the Australian Research Council (ARC) Laureate Fellowship Kathleen Fitzpatrick Award (FL250100115). It is the result of an ongoing collaboration between Professor Felicity Meakins (School of Languages and Cultures), Ocean Pathways Education Producer Logan Bobongie and Curator Freja Carmichael (both UQ Art Museum).

Image Credit: Vicki Couzens, Kooramookyan, 2019. Photography Jody Haines.