Preserving Indigenous languages with tech: IMW at PULiiMA 2023
From the 21st to 22nd of August 2023, the team at Winyama facilitated two day-trainings as part of the Indigenous Mapping Workshop Program, hosted by the PULiiMA Indigenous Languages and Technology Conference, located on Larrakia Country in Darwin, NT.
Andrew Dowding shows attendees how to harness Google Earth Pro.
Over the course of two days, this Regional IMW attracted over 70 participants from various organisations across Australia who gathered to learn about mapping within the context of Indigenous language preservation. The training was presented by Andrew Dowding, the Founder of Winyama and Leader of the Indigenous Mapping Workshop Australia Program. Attendees left with an understanding of technology programs such as Google My Maps and Google Earth Pro. They also had the opportunity to discuss real-life map examples from our Canadian First Nations partners, Firelight Group, illustrating how language can be appropriately mapped and safeguarded for future generations.
The PULiiMA Indigenous Languages and Technology Conference is a biennial event aimed at bringing people together from all over Australia and internationally to explore pioneering project ideas and exciting products and equipment that can be used in community based Indigenous languages projects. The conference allows people to network with an inspirational group of people who all share a common ambition of conserving and celebrating the languages of Country.
This year's PULiiMA conference marked Australia’s Launch of the International Decade of Indigenous Languages, on Wednesday morning, 23 August 2023. This reveal included Australia’s Action Plan – Voices of Country – a plan developed in partnership between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the Australian Government. Voices of Country is a call to action for all sectors and stakeholders to change the tide on language loss.
The PULiiMA conference revolved around the appropriate applications and strategies for preserving Indigenous languages, as well as the cultural and social impacts resulting from language loss. After listening to the various subject matter experts in cultural preservation and linguistics, registered participants of the Winyama IMW workshop were able to take this newfound knowledge and apply it in practical examples.
“We all know how powerful language is, it makes us smile, it makes us cry, and it gives us lumps in our throat, and all the emotions in-between. It connects us to who we are and where we have come from, it tells us when we should take our shoes off and walk Country, feel the sands, the grasses and the waters of the most amazing rich and diverse island that we all live within. Our Country needs us as much as we need it, and it will be through our languages that we will talk and listen to it and everything within.”
Securing the future and continuity of Australia’s first languages encourages the celebration of community and Indigenous governance. Digital software such as Google Earth Pro and My Maps allow individuals and organisations to record and capture audio and video content of language and provide a story-telling experience in a digital platform. The IMW equipped attendees with the fundamentals of these programs and touched on data governance and digital security in terms of Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP).
“Language holds an integral role in Indigenous culture, as a means of caring for Country, truth-telling and intergenerational knowledge transfer from Elders. With continued collaboration of conferences and workshops such as PULiiMA and Winyama’s Indigenous Mapping Workshop Australia, First Nations people can continue to share their stories with the evolving technological resources made available to them within the program.”
Winyama extends their gratitude to those who worked tirelessly to facilitate the engaging and culturally fulfilling PULiiMA conference, as well as to all the attendees who participated. Click here to learn more about the PULiiMA Indigenous Languages and Technology Conference.
Do you want to contribute to the IMW Australia program?
The Indigenous Mapping Workshop program offers Indigenous organisations the opportunity to host our team and provide specialised training on technical mapping software, empowering their staff with essential upskilling opportunities that may have been previously inaccessible.
IMW Australia annually offers one national Indigenous mapping workshop per year and has the capacity to conduct four in-person workshops in any state across Australia. These workshops can encompass a variety of formats, including forums, conferences, or events that wish to host us.
If you are interested in partnering with IMW or want to learn more about our sponsorship packages, we are eager to hear from you! Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us here.