Page 4721 - Week 13 - Thursday, 28 November 2019
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were fluent in the language stopped speaking it and it meant, almost catastrophically, that their children did not learn the language. This is a result of European occupation, dispossession of lands and forced denial of their existing language and culture. The damage done was significant, life altering and remains today.
We are fortunate that in these times there is a shift and that across the country first nations languages are beginning to receive the focus and respect they need. It will, however, continue to be a struggle as many words have been lost. Some may never be recovered, and that is a source of shame. That is what history has done and that is what we must seek to rectify as much as we can.
Not that I rely on Wikipedia as a source, but it is interesting to note that Wikipedia describes Ngunnawal language as being extinct. That is contested by many, including those present who are working on language recovery, rescue and revitalisation. It is through their efforts that we are learning more. Linguists, anthropologists and genealogists are all working to restore, recover and revitalise traditional languages, including the Ngunnawal language which is specific to this region.
It is my hope that in years to come, we will know these words by heart; we will be using specific Ngunnawal words in our everyday interactions with each other. It is starting already with a simple yuma for hello and yarra for goodbye being used at the beginning and end of each news bulletin on our local ABC TV. This repeated exposure to the language assists in its retention and reminds us on a daily basis that English is not the native tongue of the original inhabitants of this area or of this nation. Furthermore, it sends a clear message to local Ngunnawal people that we are listening, that we value your language and that we acknowledge how important language is to enhance connection with culture. That is what this motion is doing today.
While in some ways the motion is a small gesture, in many ways it is an action that speaks louder than words. This is an action each of us can embrace, and by doing so we pay our respects, we acknowledge the ongoing connection of the Ngunnawal people to this land, this special meeting place where clans have met for thousands of years.
As members of this Assembly we can take a leadership role in the community by using Ngunnawal language, demonstrating actions of reconciliation and recognition on the public record, helping to bring deeper understanding to a wider cross-section of our community. This motion calls on the Assembly to consult with members of the United Ngunnawal Elders Council and other recognised Ngunnawal elders in order to determine and agree on the words to be used. In this way we are enabling self-determination and choice, which are integral to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander agreement and which should be integral with how we all engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in this region.
Furthermore, the motion calls for cultural awareness training to be made available for members of the Assembly, including the correct pronunciation of the Ngunnawal words. I know we all have some learning to do in that space. I am aware that this may be a time-consuming and complex process, but this work must underpin the end result.
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