Indigenous language and song projects awarded grants

Two University of Adelaide projects that aim to continue supporting the process of reclamation and revitalisation of Indigenous language and song in South Australia have been awarded funding. 

Dylan Crismani and Grayson Rotumah from the University of Adelaide’s Centre of Aboriginal Studies in Music (CASM) will lead the Kaurna song book revival project, which has been awarded an Indigenous Languages and Arts (ILA) grant. 

In consultation with Kaurna Warra Pintyanthi, which produces Kaurna language resources, the project aims to revitalise the Kaurna song book with new musical compositions and support this through dissemination across a range of platforms. They have been awarded $99,640 in ILA funding.  

CASM is the only devoted university-based centre for studies in Australian Indigenous music. 

“The University of Adelaide’s Centre of Aboriginal Studies in Music and the Department of Linguistics both have a particular focus on Indigenous language, culture, and identity, and are dedicated to supporting communities in the continuing effort to maintain and revive Australia's unique heritage.” Professor Steve Larkin, Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Engagement, the University of Adelaide

Professor Ghil’ad Zuckermann from the University of Adelaide’s School of Humanities will lead Mangiri Yarda (Healthy Country): Barngarla Aboriginal Language Reclamation and Wellbeing. 

The project will continue the reclamation of the Barngarla language on the Eyre Peninsula of South Australia by producing language material and conducting reclamation workshops. The project has been awarded $100,000 in ILA funding.  

The University of Adelaide’s Professor Steve Larkin, Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Engagement, said, “I congratulate our researchers on being awarded these grants for their important work in the areas of Indigenous music and language.” 

“The University of Adelaide’s Centre of Aboriginal Studies in Music and the Department of Linguistics both have a particular focus on Indigenous language, culture, and identity, and are dedicated to supporting communities in the continuing effort to maintain and revive Australia's unique heritage.” 

The Indigenous Languages and Arts program supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to express, preserve and maintain their cultures through languages and arts activities around Australia and administers around $27 million per annum for Indigenous languages and arts projects. 

Details of all projects awarded funding by the ILA program can be viewed at: www.arts.gov.au