The theory of change for this project is informed by the Revivalistics model of Reverse Language Shift, foregrounding capacity building for language communities in their efforts to reclaim, revitalise and maintain their ancestral languages.

Language communities are asking for tools and support to deliver health education to youth in on-country workshops in their own ancestral languages.

 The model and resources developed by this project empower Cultural Experts to support youth cultural pathways and revitalisation of intergenerational reconnection and re-engagement with ancestral language.

Project timeline:

stage 1 – work with Ngak Min Health and cultural experts to:

1. identify clinical and cultural priorities:
   • support ongoing intergenerational transmission of language and traditional knowledge for strong identities, connection to country and healthy traditional living
   • develop preventive health and wellbeing resources in ancestral languages
   • particular concern with Rheumatic Heart Disease prevention
   • support individual mental health and emotional well-being
   • support healthy family environments
   • support family responsiblilities to manage regular health checks, dental health, regular vaccinations,
   • particular strategic priority of CYP entities is to Increase capacity of children and young people to engage in education – because year 12 attainment breaks the cycle and will close the gap

1. research existing resources and begin building a reference library
2. identify key projects to pursue in the shorter and longer term
3. design project collaboration workflows

Stage 2 –

established collaboration platforms:

1. Language for Life Youth Health and Wellbeing Community of Practice
2. Language community collaborative design workshops
3. Pama Futures Change Makers Forums

Stage 3 –

• Collaborative design of resources:
  • Circle of Security – interactive resources
  • Listen ’n talk language for health
  • Language for Health and wellbeing lesson plans for language curriculum
  • On-country documentary project with Wik Mungkan students
  • wellbeing activities in NPA (Tava Ghwa, Utiny Ulumu) , Aurukun (documentary, Jonah and Gavin animation and Wik Mungkan bird book). Young people involved in making their own language and health resources.
  • Breathing Song from Education Department’s Brain Break Bops – mindfulness exercise for classrooms (recorded in 4 Cape York languages) – additional Brain Break bops – are in the process of being translated, recorded and animated.
  • Jonah and Gavin’s long walk on country collaboration with the Wik Kath Min Good community stories project

Immersive  learning resources developed with language experts are accessible to teachers and learners for ongoing use. Outputs from this project to date include:

Language for Life Youth Health and Wellbeing Community of Practice

This project has established a multidisciplinary community of practice dedicated to creating a flow of communication between organisations involved with promoting the health and wellbeing of first nations youth.

Circle of Security Language of health and wellbeing resources

Collaboratively designed, interactive Circle of Security resources include health and wellbeing statements written and spoken in ancestral language by elders and youth.

Jonah a’ Gavin Aak Kech Iiy Pul  – Aurukun Good Stories Animated film

This animated film,  based on a children’s picture book by Jonah Yunkaporta and illustrated by the children of Koolkan Aurukun State School, Waynead Wolmby and Janinie Chevathun with Kailung Hudson and Louise Limerick, is a collaboration between Pama Language Centre and Wik Kath Min Aurukun Good Stories Project, which champions the following Wik Kath Min Community Values:

1. Ngan Wik ngench thayan a’ aak puul a’ kam pan kooch anathan aak wantin palin. We have a deep connection to our country and our kin.
2. Ngan puk manyiy ngantam kon aathanan woyan minan wakayn. We teach our children the right way to follow Western laws and traditional cultural ways.
3. Ngan ma’ aathanan ngatakam a thee’ anan yuk way min. We care for others and share what we have.