CDU gears up for NAIDOC Week

The university will celebrate NAIDOC week with a series of events on the theme “Because of Her, We Can” from 9 July to 13 July.

During the celebrations CDU will recognise the achievements of the many Indigenous women who have made significant contributions to the university.

The events being organised by the Office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Leadership, Northern Institute and CDU Library include the launch of the Djambarrpuynu Dictionary, an exhibition, the Indigenous Language and Research Forum, and lectures.

Acting Pro Vice-Chancellor of Indigenous Leadership Professor Barry Judd said Indigenous women had inspired and driven change for staff and students.

“This is an opportunity to acknowledge the Indigenous women in our university community – their achievements, their voice, and passion to empower past generations and pave the way for generations to come,” Professor Judd said.

After working with several CDU Indigenous linguists and teachers, Bachelor of Indigenous Languages student Grace Tongatua will launch the latest edition of the Djambarrpuynu children’s dictionary.

For more than a decade the primary school teacher has worked with communities in Milingimbi, Yirrkala, Ramingining and Darwin to produce the resource, which includes words and pictures in Yolngu Matha languages.

“Working as a teacher in remote Indigenous schools using a bi-lingual approach there were limited resources,” Grace said.

“Most of the dictionaries available in YolnguMatha were aimed at academics or people who do not speak YolnguMatha as a first language. For children to become independent writers they need to be able to access reference materials so they can check their work.”

The dictionary contains almost 300 words and illustrations, and will be launched at 4:30pm on Monday, 9 July in the CDU Library, kicking off the NAIDOC celebrations.

For more information about NAIDOC week events on campus visit W: cdu.edu.au/northern-institute/cdu-naidoc-week-2018