Peak bodies and advocacy organisations
First Languages Australia
First Languages Australia promotes communication both among its Indigenous community members and also between those communities and other government and non-government agencies who may influence the survival of languages. It works to ensure the wishes of Indigenous community members are voiced in key decision-making processes at all levels that impact on the current and future management of their languages. It also supports the sharing of community experience, resources and expertise and encourages sustainable partnerships that support the broad spectrum of language endeavours.
The Resource Network for Linguistic Diversity
The Resource Network for Linguistic Diversity (RNLD) is an international non-profit organisation which was founded in 2004 to advance the sustainability of the world’s Indigenous languages. RNLD runs a wide range of activities in Australia and internationally.​ RNLD aims to increase the capacity of Indigenous community members across Australia to document and revitalise their languages through training programs.
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The RNLD website hosts a wide range of resources about methods and technologies used to document, archive, revitalise and maintain Indigenous languages. RNLD builds strategic relationships and acts as an advocate to increase public awareness of and respect for Indigenous languages. RNLD also facilitates international networking through its Facebook group, Twitter profile and email discussion list.
Government Departments and Agencies
Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies
The Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) is the national research and collecting institution for information and research about the cultures and lifestyles of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, past and present. It undertakes and encourages scholarly, ethical community-based research. It has its own publishing house, Aboriginal Studies Press. It holds a priceless collection of films, photographs, video and audio recordings and the world’s largest collections of printed and other resource materials for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies. Its activities affirm and raise awareness of the richness and diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories.
Department of Education (Western Australia)
The Aboriginal Languages Teacher Training course is a two-year, in-school traineeship for Aboriginal staff who speak an Aboriginal language. The course requires speakers to work with fluent speakers in their community to develop their language knowledge. It incorporates language revival/maintenance strategies, language teaching methodology and current resources for the teaching of Aboriginal languages.
Department of Aboriginal Affairs (Western Australia)
The Department of Aboriginal Affairs (formerly Indigenous Affairs) engages with Aboriginal Western Australians and all levels of Government to improve the delivery of services, to facilitate the development of policy and programs which deliver sustainable economic, environmental and social benefits to Aboriginal communities.
National Indigenous Australians Agency
The National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) administers website indigenous.gov.au, which connects First Nations peoples with Australian Government programs through real stories about the challenges they face, the opportunities and the successes, as well as news and announcements.
Office of the Arts
The Office of the Arts is the Australian Government department which administers programs and policies that encourage participation in and access to Australia’s arts and culture through developing and supporting cultural expressions, including Indigenous culture, languages and visual arts. See also ‘Funding’ below.
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