Maureen Deegan's mum had to relearn her own language, Jaru, which she had not been allowed to speak. Now Maureen is helping others to keep their languages alive.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this story contains the name and image of an Indigenous person who has died.Every morning Maureen Deegan passes through the same doorway her late mother Bonnie first entered many years ago to reconnect to her culture.
When, years later, she returned to Halls Creek, 2,700 kilometres north of Perth, Bonnie wanted to rebuild the connection to the family and culture she lost."She had her language taken off her, told she wasn't allowed to speak it," Maureen explained.Her daughter Maureen now works there as a field officer.From her, she learnt some words and phrases, but also the importance of fighting to keep language strong.
The Kimberley Language and Resource Centre supports and advocates for 47 languages, of which only about 30 are still spoken today.A team of elders and language officers, including Maureen, spent months on the road travelling to 23 communities across the Kimberley and spoke to more than 300 people from 27 language groups.
He explained the data available was not complete and "because the way it had been captured was very western, it's not a true colour of what is on the ground".Mr Collard pulled out a quote from one of the people interviewed."I think it speaks volumes on why we need to act now, and the government needs to act now."
Language Learning Endangered Languages Aboriginal Language Kimberley Remote Communities Jaru Wa News Language Extinction Extinct Languages Stolen Generations
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Kimberley woman who slashed relative's neck with wine bottle found guilty of manslaughterMaryanne Undalghumen struck the victim with the bottle during a drunken argument in Kununurra in July 2023.
Read more »
Halls Creek economic development hub helping Kimberley women start businessesIn a town where unemployment is almost five times the national average, women in Halls Creek are finding much-needed solace and support as they chase their dream job.
Read more »
Kimberley man punched crocodile in nose to escape attack, ranger saysThe man was attacked while spearfishing on Western Australia's remote Dampier Peninsula and hit the animal in order to get away, according to senior rangers.
Read more »
Calls grow for recognition of Kimberley's 30 Indigenous massacre sitesThe Kimberley region in WA's far north is home to more than 30 massacre sites where over 500 Aboriginal lives were claimed, but only three are officially recognised.
Read more »
Kimberley Locals Alarmed by Increasing Meth UseHealth authorities and community members in Kimberley, Australia, are expressing alarm over the rising use of methamphetamine, commonly known locally as 'ngarbs', in remote areas. The drug is reportedly cheaper than alcohol and marijuana on the black market, leading to a surge in usage.
Read more »
Kimberley leaders sceptical of WA government, opposition housing focus amid chronic overcrowdingAdvocates say overcrowding in government-owned houses in the Kimberley is straining resources, contributing to poor living conditions and exacerbating health and social issues.
Read more »