Developed by Gunai poet Kirli Saunders and delivered by Red Room Poetry, Poetry in First Languages (PIFL) celebrates, shares and preserves knowledge of First Nations languages and culture through poetry, music and art.
Over two days (14-15 May) Kirli Saunders and Koori poet Lyndsay Urquhart took students of First Nations and Refugee Backgrounds from Years 7-11 at Warrawong High School through the new resource, specific to Dharawal Country. Students in community with First Nations Poets, Elders and Language Custodians on Country, strengthened their connection to Country, Language and Community, with a vision to empower students to feel pride in their cultural identities. Students were encouraged to create poetry in Dharawal as well as in their own First Languages. The second day focused on art with Gundungurra Elder Aunty Trish Levett and dance with Lyndsay Urquhart.
Lyndsay's reflection and photos by Todd Hardingham
Poetry in First Languages is supported by the Commonwealth through the Australian National Commission for UNESCO of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. It is proudly supported by Graeme Wood Foundation, Geoff Ainsworth AM & Johanna Featherstone, Copyright Agency and generous individuals.
On Dharawal Country, PIFL is also supported by participants in Graeme Wood Foundation, Illawarra Multicultural Services, Merrigong Theatre Company, Wollongong Art Gallery, First Languages Australia, Miromaa and AIME.
