Ngandi guuga led me here, to this Country
ngandi maaraa raised me here, ngandi bamila bamila shared their knowledge
My goanna led me here, to this Country
my father raised me here, my Aunties share their knowledge
~ Nash, PIFL 2024 - Gundungurra
Celebrating, sharing and conserving knowledge of First Nations languages and culture through poetry in all its forms.
Poetry in First Languages (PIFL) commissions, publishes and delivers First Nations-led student poetry programs on Country and/or in First Nations community-led locations.
Celebrating culture through poetry, music, dance and art, PIFL aims to support students to find strength in their cultural identities through language learning and connecting to Country, Culture and Community with the intention of enhancing overall wellbeing and knowledge.
Developed and launched at Red Room Poetry by Gunai poet Kirli Saunders in 2018, and now stewarded by Warrimay poet and musician Nicole Smede, PIFL is for First Nations Community, guided and shaped for their needs, lead by Elders, Custodians and First Nations artists across the nation.
Poets
Gundungurra Workshops
Explore more Poetry in First Languages Projects
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Baraya Barray - Whale Song
Baraya Barray is a cultural immersion experience for young First Nations people, celebrating First Languages through the creation of poetry, song and dance.
Poetry in First Languages (PIFL) addresses a clear gap in the educational and cultural offer for First Nations students in NSW. The program was a one-of-kind opportunity for almost all of the First Nations participants. 95% of the schools and communities involved in PIFL had no other access to First Nations language programs.
"PIFL has a deep impact on students by helping fulfil an empty void inside them created by dispossession of language which has great benefits for their spiritual and mental health. It engages Indigenous youth to connect with local Elders and language custodians/knowledge holders creating connections within the community which establishes clear pathways for students to seek cultural teachings outside of the project."
Partners and Supporters
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Oranges and Sardines
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Wollongong City Council
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Indigenous Language and Arts
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Waminda
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ANCORS Wollongong University
