Reading Opens Doors for Kids in Remote Communities

What does the Indigenous Literacy Foundation do?

Imagine growing up and only having access to books that weren’t in your language, that you couldn’t relate to, and didn’t include stories from your local community. Or imagine that there are no bookshops or libraries in your city or town.

It is so important to have access and see yourself represented in books. It helps build a sense of belonging and connections to your Community and language.

That is why the Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) delivers book packs to kids across the country and supports the publication of books that reflect the culture of young people in remote Communities. Each Community selects the book packs they would like, and we work with Elders and leaders if they wish to have a book published in their First Language.

We know reading opens doors to future opportunities and choices. It is a skill that helps you navigate the world around you.

Photographer: Loredana Ducco, Yirrkala.

Decade of Indigenous Languages

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander remote Communities are working hard to maintain their traditional languages, which have been spoken for many generations.

UNESCO has declared 2022 as the start of the Decade of Indigenous Languages. Want to know why we think this is important? Check out this video: The Value of First Languages!

Photographer: Deb Carter, Moa Island.

How you can get involved

Learn what Country you are on

Do you know the Country you are on? Before this land was called “Australia”, it was divided into over 500 different nations/groups.

Source: AIATSIS https://aiatsis.gov.au/explore/map-indigenous-australia

You can figure out what land you live on by researching online or contacting your local Council or Aboriginal Land Council. Go even further by finding out what language is spoken on the land in which you live and learn some greeting words! Click here for an example of some words from Gadigal in Sydney.

Read some books by Indigenous authors and illustrators

Interested in reading some books written and illustrated by Indigenous people and Communities? The ILF have fun picture books, junior fiction, and graphic novels available on their online store!

We recommend Tudei en Longtaim for insight into the Communities in which we work, or the Japarrika series for stronger readers.

Hold a fundraising event

Finally, you could get involved with the ILF by holding a fundraiser with your friends, school or family. You could host your own Great Book Swap, or check out ILF’s fundraising blogs for more ideas.

The ILF are always excited to see young people getting involved and learning more about Indigenous languages and cultures. If you would like to explore other ways you can engage with the ILF and the work they do, check out their website at ilf.org.au.