Poetry in First Languages (2018)
like the yinaagirbang before us we look for small things –
listen for silences – weave our own basket of
gatherings to keep safe
~ from 'The Gatherers' by Jeanine Leane
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, dance and art.
PIFL supports First Nations students in creating poetry in first languages by connecting them to First Nations poets, Elders and Language Custodians on country. The focus is to strengthen the connection of First Nations students to country, language and community in order to empower students to feel pride in their cultural identities resulting in enhanced wellbeing overall.
Poets
Contributing Elders, Language Custodians and artists
Trish Levett (Gundungurra), Val Mulcahy (Gundungurra), Jodi Edwards (Yuin), Troy Styman (Gundungurra), Lewis Walker (Bundjalung), Joe Geia (Murri) Jacob Morris (Gumea Dharawal), Adrian Webster (Gumea Dharawal), Joel Deaves (Gumea Dharawal) Lyndsay Urquhart (Koori), Kirli Saunders (Gunai), Joel Davison (Gadigal), DJ Terra Nullius, Rheanna Lotter (Yuin), Allan Giddy, David Cragg, Wesley McLeod, Jan Levy, Luke Close, Josh Brown (Woremi), Vikki Parsley (Dhurga), Wayne Knight (Barkindji), Kevin Knight (Barkindji), Elaine Lomas (Wiradjuri).
Workshops & events
- Cookaroo Flow (Sydney NSW)
1 December - 28 February 2019, creative installation by Allan Giddy in the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney - Dharawal (Illawarra NSW)
22 November with Bargo Public School - Gadigal (Sydney NSW)
5 November with Alexandria Park Community School, Laramba School and Ntaria School - Yuin (Shoalhaven NSW)
6-27 August with Jervis Bay School, North Nowra Public School and Nowra East Public School. - Tumbalong Gatherers (Sydney NSW)
Poetic lightboxes installed through Darling Quarter and Darling Square during NAIDOC week - Student poetry on buses (Illawarra NSW)
4 buses with student poetry in First Languages travelled the Illawarra between July and September. - Bundjalung (North East NSW)
8-10 August with Balund-a Diversionary Centre (branch of Unlocked) - Dharawal (Illawarra NSW)
14-15 May with Warrawong Public School, Warrawong High School and Kemblawarra Public School - Gundungurra (Southern Highlands NSW)
19-21 March with Moss Vale High School, Mittagong Public School and Moss Vale Public School
Partners and Supporters
