Thank You From the Puliima Team
The Puliima Team we would like to say a huge thank you to all who participated in Puliima 2011.
Your involvement helped to make Puliima a great success. We hope you all had as much fun as we did at Puliima 2011.
Thanks again!
Puliima 2011 Wrap Up Quicklinks
5. Where Puliima Delegates Came From
Conference Highlights
There were so many amazing highlights of Puliima 2011; too many to mention, so here are just a few.
Youth Involvement
A major focus for Pullima 2011 was getting our young people involved. After all they are the ones who will continue the important work started by the elders.
We were very pleased to see a great turn out of passionate young people attending Puliima 2011. It is excellent to see that they realise the importance of keeping our Indigenous languages and cultures alive and want to do their bit to help.
"My highlight was how a lot of enthusiastic young Aboriginal people were involved in participating at the conference, this is good for the revival and survival of our language for future generations" - Lyle Swan from Aboriginal Education Section ACT DET
Pre Conference Gathering
Puliima 2011 National Indigenous Languages & Technology Forum was kicked off with a ‘Pre-Conference' get together held at The State Library of Queensland, Brisbane on the evening of 10th May 2011. This was the unofficial opening of the conference and is a meet and greet event that is unique to Puliima the Puliima Conference. It gives people a chance to break the ice, meet new people and catch up with old friends before the formalities of the conference began the next morning.
Delegates recieved a welcoming address from Gubbi Gubbi elder Aunt Eve Fesl and enjoyed delicious refreshments from CT's Catering and entertainment from local Brisbane talent Getano Bann.
It was a great way to get the delegates who came from all over Australia, Torres Strait Islands, Canada, North America and Hawai'i together for networking and to get them excited about the next 3 days of conference ahead.
"Wow! Never had nicer finger food at a conference in my life!...and I've attended hundreds! Loved the music too...and the river-view venue. Lovely way to start a marvellous event..." - Peter Brand from FirstVoices
Official Opening
The official start of the conference began on the morning of Wednesday 11th May 2011 with a Welcome to Country from Gubbi Gubbi elder Aunt Eve Fesl and an opening address from the State Librarian Lea Giles Peters.
We were then treated to some fantastic Aboriginal dancing and didgeridoo playing from the Yimbarla Dancers from Cape York before we got down to business with a wide variety of plenary and breakout sessions.
Laura Jagles, Rachael Nez, Jeremy Montoya and Jordan Naranjo from the Indigenous Languages Institute in Santa Fe, New Mexico
The group talked about how they are participating in a Self Study Pilot Program to learn their native language; Tewa - the language of the Pueblo Nations, New Mexico. This is what the two young boys say about the program:
"This isn't just something we dress up for... and then go play Indian for a day or two...this is who we are, and this program seems to show people we're serious about it." - Jeremy Montoya, student.
"Overall the project has given me the experience to connect with my family more, connect with my tribe and my elders more. It's given me a chance to be more involved with my community. Speaking it (Tewa) has a nice way of flowing into life. Our language has a connection with the world and understanding of the language will help you throughout life." - Jordan, student.
"I found the boys so inspiring and sensitive to the language disappearing with their Elders and wanting to do something about it." - Fay Stewart-Muir, Boon wurrung Foundation
Peter Brand from First Peoples' Heritage, Language and Culture Council in British Columbia, Canada
Peter spoke about and demonstrated the many impressive functions of the the FirstVoices Web-based and Mobile-based technologies. FirstVoices is a group of advanced web-based tools and services designed to support Aboriginal people engaged in language archiving, language teaching & culture revitalization.
A significant part of the language work being done by FirstVoices is the collaboration of youth and elders. Some of the Secwepmec language content on the FirstVoices Kids website was developed by 14 year old Julienne Ignace and her 6 year old brother.
This is a great example of how more young people are getting involved with language work.
"My favourite presentation was from Peter Brand not just because of his knowledge but also because of his emotional connection with what he was doing." - Michael Walsh from University of Sydney.
Ema Bovoro, Haydyn Bromley and Marjo Stroud from Inhaadi Adnyamathanha Ngwarla Class in South Australia
This ground-breaking Indigenous animation is part of a community driven project; the Inhaadi Adnyamathanha Ngwarla Class. Together the Elders and youth in the class wrote the script, helped to research and design the set and even voiced the characters of Wadu Matyidi to create a very beautiful end product which is rich in language and cultural content.
Wadu Matyidi, which means ‘once upon a time', signifies a move within Aboriginal communities to utilise animation technology to show the important purpose traditional languages and cultures continue to play in modern Australia.
The film has just been nominated for three ATOM Awards including: Best Animation, Best Documentary (History, Social and Political Issues) & Best Indigenous Resource.
"My favourite presentation was the Inhaadi Adnyamathanha Ngwarla Class - Wadu Matyidi. It's great to see the possibilities that we have to get our culture out to the masses and this is a great way of visualising our ancestors through a new media instead of our countless photographs and audio files." - Nadia Rose from Victorian Aboriginal Corporation for Languages (VACL
Michael Jarrett, Julie Long, Gary Williams and Anna Ash from Muurrbay Aboriginal Language and Culture Co-op in Nambucca Heads, NSW
Michael Jarrett's low-tech language lesson demonstration engaged the audience and had people speaking the language within minutes. The method is called Accelerated Second Language Acquisition (ASLA); a learner can be speaking and understanding a new language after very little tuition.
The lessons are short and simple and very enjoyable; very little vocabulary is learnt; yet all the structures of the language get mapped on to this small vocabulary set. You don't have to memorise anything - you learn to understand the language conceptually. The approach uses pictures and oral language only, no written language, and NO English. This takes all pressure to do with literacy off the learner and equalises the class.
Michael captivated the audience and showed us how easy it is to start learning our native languages.
"It was so great to see language teaching/learning happening before our eyes simply using focused communication!" - Marjo Stroud from Inhaadi Adnyamathanha Ngwarla Class
Conference Dinner
On the evening of 11th May 2011 delegates enjoyed a delicious BBQ Dinner (prepared by CT's Catering) on the beautiful Queensland Terrace. Excellent entertainment was provided by Damien Cheyne and Ben Pritchard who are music duo Good Binji. We also had a special guest appearance by Abie and Wok Wright who are hip hop group, Street Warriors.
"Fabulous live music and delicious healthy food." - Marjo Stroud from Inhaadi Adnyamathanha Ngwarla Class
Indigenous Linguists Forum
This was one of the most important events that happened at Puliima 2011, held on Friday 13th May 2011
It was an opportunity for Indigenous people involved in linguistics to come together to discuss the issues which exist such as; employment opportunities, language syllabuses, relationships with institutions and non-Indigenous academics, protocols, network building and possible support structure.
As aforementioned one of the most impressive outcomes of Puliima 2011 was the formation of a new Aboriginal language networking group; the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Language Network, which was a result of the Indigenous Linguists Forum.
This important meeting was the first of its kind in Australia and attended by over 30 Australian and international delegates and discussions centred on the following topics:
- The growth in numbers of Indigenous linguists.
- The increase in enrolments in the linguistics courses providing trained people with appropriate community knowledge for employment in language projects.
- What are the employment opportunities available for Indigenous linguists? Discussion of the difficulties in finding appropriate employment, in areas close to where graduates live.
- The need for directed funding to support the employment of linguistic graduates.
- Finding where the job opportunities are, requiring access to employment and information networks
- Achieving reasonable pay rates. The need to advocate for standardized rates for Indigenous language workers, linguists and teachers.
- Developing career pathways for students to move from language studies in schools to linguistics through secondary schools and TAFE's.
- How to advocate for our own work. As ground-breakers, the challenges faced in creating a new field of expertise.
- Measuring outcomes in community projects.
- Sharing the positives and negatives of the training experiences.
- The value of feedback for the continual improvement of linguistic training programs.
- Establishing a communication network of the people who attended. This was recommended to start immediately.
- Planning for a second meeting of the group. The suggestion was made that AIATSIS may possibly coordinate this.
This was a great session and I think most people got a lot out of it and we have started working on the mailing list to keep in touch and AIATSIS language staff are helping us get this going. - Jeanie Bell from Batchelor Institute
Puliima 2011 Feedback Survey
We would like to request that you please take a few moments of your time to complete our Puliima 2011 Feedback Survey. The results of this survey will help us to ensure that the Puliima conference continues to be a success.
Your suggestions and comments are very important to us
THIS SURVEY IS NOW CLOSED
Photo Gallery
Click here to view a selection of photos from Puliima 2011
Puliima Testimonials
"Very well organized and really interesting content." Michael Walsh from Sydney University
"An excellent and stimulating conference - well put together and well run". Brendan Fitzgerald from State Library of Victoria
"It was very exciting to be at Puliima and to learn more about the work that community and external partners are doing to support Indigenous languages. Wonderful to look around and see that probably 90% of the participants/audience were Indigenous." Margaret Florey from Resource Network for Linguistic Diversity
"I thought the conference was excellent because I was inspired on how to use different methods and resources of teaching language in the community. I personally want to thank the team and their effort in making the conference a succes." Benjamin Mabo from Meriba Yadayl Torres Strait Islander Language Professionals
"Excellent range of projects showing many determined people dedicated to the future of Indigenous languages." Marjo Stroud from Inhaadi Adnyamathanha Language Class
"Thank you for everything!!! Now I have the practical tools & networking to carry out language workshops in my community." Sharon Phineasa from State Library of Queensland
"Every piece of conference communication and administration was top shelf. I couldn't believe that all that work was completed by such a tiny team. Our sincere thanks and congratulations to all!" Peter Brand from First Peoples' Heritage, Language and Culture Council
"It was great to attend yet another informative Puliima conference. Hope we continue to have future Puliima conferences". Bridget Priman from Queensland Indigenous Languages Advisory Committee
Where Puliima Delegates Came From
National
Kungdanji, Warrgamay, Butchulla, Anaiwan, Juru, Yuggera, Kalaw Kawaw Ya, Gamilaraay, Yorta Yorta, Adnyamathanha, Yuwaalaraay, Gunnai, Dhauwurd Wurrung, Awabakal, Monaro, Wajarri, Kugu, Mu' Inh, Pirripaay, Boon Wurrung, Meriam Mir, Taungurung, Kaantju, Noongar, Murrinh-Patha, Dhanggati, Dulingbara, Gubbi Gubbi, Paakantyi, Tiwi, Gumbaynggir, Dharug, Dharawal, Bundjulung, Wiradjuri, Birpai, Pirriya, Nukunu, Yugembeh, Ngarla, Kariyarra, Marramanindjsi, Ayapathu, Yinhawangka, Tharrgarri , Yuin, Nyikina, Jandai, Umpila, Kala Lagaw Ya, Ngarrindjeri, Lama Lama, Wik Mungkan, Gunggari, Kala Kawaw Ya, Uradhi, Gurung, Biri, Koa
International
Tewa - Tesuque Pueblos of New Mexico, USA, Tewa - San Ildefonso Pueblos of New Mexico, USA, Tewa - Pojoaque Pueblos of New Mexico, USA, Tewa - Santa Clara Pueblos of New Mexico, USA, Ojibwe - New Mexico, USA, Athapaskan Language Family - Navajo Language, USA, Native Hawaiian, First Peoples Nation, Canada
Presentations
Self Study Pilot Program - SCALE
Who: Laura Jagles, Rachael Nez, Jeremy Montoya and Jordan Naranjo
Organisation: Indigenous Language Institute, Santa Fe New Mexico
Weblink: Indigenous Language Institute
Implications of Mixed Languages on Aboriginal & Torres Strait Communities Involved in Language Programs
Who: Jeanie Bell and Joy Bonner
Organisation: Batchelor Institute, Korrawinga Aboriginal Corporation
Weblinks: Batchelor Institute, Korrawinga Aboriginal Corporation
An Introduction to Languages at SLQ
Who: Des Crump
Organisation: State Library of Queensland (SLQ
Weblink: State Library of Queensland
Download a PDF of Des' presentation 835Kb
The Work of QILAC and Language Resource Development in Queensland
Who: Ethel Munn, Leonora Adidi, Bridget Priman and Lois Blackman
Organisation: Queensland Indigenous Languages Advisory Committee (QILAC)
Weblink: QILAC
Maintenance of Aboriginal English
Who: Kate Randall
Organisation: Tauondi College
Weblink: Tauondi College
Discovering How Your Ancestors Pronounced Words through Old Sources
Who: Lee Healy and Dr Christina Eira
Organisation: Victorian Aboriginal Corporation for Languages
Download a PDF of Lee and Christina's presentation 627Kb
Weblink: VACL
Self Study Pilot Program- SCALE 2
Who: Laura Jagles, Rachael Nez, Jeremy Montoya and Jordan Naranjo
Organisation: Indigenous Language Institute, Santa Fe New Mexico
Weblink: Indigenous Language Institute
Creating Digital Resources with Sharing Culture Online
Who: Jodie and Gadj Maymuru
Organisation: Sharing Culture
Weblink: Sharing Culture
Developing Grassroots Training for Australia's Indigenous Languages: The Documenting and Revitalising Indigenous Languages Training Model
Who: Margaret Florey and Vicki Couzens
Organisation: Resource Network for Linguistic Diversity (RNLD)
Weblink: RNLD
Download a PDF of Margaret and Vicki's presentation 1.523Mb
Using Technology to Bring Languages to Life
Who: Mari Rhydwen and Murray Butcher
Organisation: Board of Studies, Paakantyi Language Circle
Weblink: NSW Board of Studies
Miromaa 4 - Putting Language Conservation in Your Hands
Who: Daryn McKenny
Organisation: Miromaa Aboriginal Language and Technology Centre
Weblink: Miromaa
The Work and Key Initiatives of Eastern States Aboriginal Languages Group (ESALG)
Who: Kevin Lowe, Geoff Anderson and Paul Paton
Organisation: Eastern States Aboriginal Languages Grou
Weblink: ESALG
Archiving Language and Song in Wadeye
Who: Michael Walsh
Organisation: University of Sydney
Weblink: University of Sydney
Download a PDF of Michael's presentation 300Kb
KARA GED A KARA MIR: My Home and My Language - New Voices, NGAU LAG A NGAU IA: My Home and My Language - New Voices", NGUZU LAG A NGUZU YA: My Home and My Language - New Voices
Who: Benjamin Mabo, John Whop and Mavis Bani
Organisation: Meriba Yadayl Torres Strait Islander Language Professionals
FirstVoices Technologies - Web-based and Mobile device-based Language Resources in Both Rural and Urban Aboriginal Communities
Who: Peter Brand
Organisation: First Peoples' Heritage, Language and Culture Council in British Columbia, Canada
Weblink: FirstVoices
Download a PDF of Peter's presentation 1.525Mb
Low Tech - High Tech: Using IT to Research, Teach and Publish in Gumbaynggirr, Dhangatti and Gathang
Who: Anna Ash, Michael Jarrett, Julie Long and Gary Williams
Organisation: Muurrbay Aboriginal Language Centre
Weblink: Muurrbay
Download a PDF of Muurbay's presentation 152Kb
Teaching Language in Sydney Schools
Who: Cat Kutay
Organisation: Centre for Indigenous Technology Information and Engineering Solutions (CITIES)
Weblink: CITIES
Download a PDF of Cat's presentation 611Kb
Utilizing Technology to Carry Forward Indigenous Voices from the Past
Who: Candace Galla
Organisation: University of Hawaiʻi Hilo
Weblink: University of Hawaiʻi Hilo
Why Language is Important to Me
Who: Hollie Johnson
Organisation: Victorian Aboriginal Corporation for Languages (VACL)
Weblink: VACL
A Linguistic Analysis of Badjala Placenames in the DERM Database
Who: Petek Kurtboke and Jeanie Bell
Organisation: Badjala Language Project
Developing a Language Course for Communities and Schools
Who: Jodie and Gadj Maymuru
Organisation: Sharing Culture
Weblink: Sharing Culture
FirstVoices Technologies: Web-based and Mobile device-based Language Resources in Both Rural and Urban Aboriginal Communities 2
Who: Peter Brand
Organisation: First Peoples' Heritage, Language and Culture Council in British Columbia, Canada
Weblink: FirstVoices
Supporting Papua New Guinea Languages & Culture through Arts Education in Schools
Who: Keith Stebbins, with video component from Nanai Salayau
Organisation: Papua New Guinea Language Education Project
Download a PDF of Keith's presentation 391Kb
'italk Software: 'They say a picture speaks a thousand words...our pictures speak a thousand languages.'
Who: Alex Shaw and Alex Bond
Organisation: isee-ilearn
Weblink: isee-ilearn
Then & Now - What Can We Learn From the Past to Fashion the Future
Who: Aunt Eve Fesl, Gubbi Gubbi Elder
Organisation: Queensland Indigenous Languages Advisory Committee (QILAC)
Weblink: QILAC
Hypertext as a Way of Linking Grammar, Text and Dictionaries
Who: Simon Musgrave and Nick Thieberger
Organisation: Monash University, University of Melbourne
Weblink: Monash University, University of Melbourne
Wadu Matyidi (Once upon a Time) - a Multi-Media Language Resource
Who: Marjo Stroud, Ema Bovoro and Hayden Bromley
Organisation: Inhaadi Adnyamathanha Ngwarla Class
Watch the Wadu Matyidi promo video
Media Releases
State Library of Queensland Sings with Indigenous Voices
This week the State Library of Queensland will buzz with Indigenous languages for the Puliima National Indigenous Languages and Technology Forum (10-13th May).
Indigenous people from around Australia are coming together to talk about their languages and how they are using the tools of technology to help them thrive...
The Puliima Team
ACRA Staff - Jacqui Allen, Aunt Phyllis Darcy, Terri-lee Darcy, Oliver Dowling, Daryn McKenny, Carissa Paglino, Anne Pearce, Kellie Pipe, Kathryn Piper, Belinda Wright.
QILAC Staff - Leonora Adidi, Faith Baisden, Lois Blackman, Joy Bonner, William Brady, Dr Eve Fesl, Melinda Holden, Ethel Munn, Bridget Priman.
Eastern States Staff - Paul Paton, Geoff Anderson
Volunteers - Caitlin Hill, Sophie McBean, Shipa Samarantunge, Emily Stanley.
Performers - Getano Bann, Good Binji, Street Warriors, Yimbarla Dancers.
Service Providers - State Library of Queensland, Kuril Dhagun, CT's Catering, Ibis Hotel, Evolution Apartments, Riverside Hotel, The Chifley at Lennons, Pack N Send, Yumala Designs, Murra Wolka Creations, Koori Heritage Trust, Add On Hire, Freemans Hire Service.
Sponsored and Supported by
