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.

Help keep first nations languages alive

Donate

Just $25 will help one First Nations child in a regional area create poetry in first languages and connect them to First Nations poets, Elders and Language Custodians on Country.   

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).