A program between Elders and teachers that embeds Aboriginal language into a state school community has won the major honour at tonight’s 2019 Queensland Reconciliation Awards.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said Mossman State School and Kuku Yalanji Language Advisory Group had been awarded the Partnership Award and the overall Premier’s Reconciliation Award for their initiative, Respect and Consultation: Honouring Kuku Yalanji Language at Mossman State Primary School.
“This initiative is a wonderful example of the benefits we see when we approach reconciliation as a community,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“Kuku Yalanji Elders and Mossman State School staff have developed a program that has given the community a place for truth telling and acknowledgement of past wrongs, a place for Kuku Yalanji students to be proud of their heritage and culture, and a pathway for understanding.
“2019 is the United Nations International Year of Indigenous Languages and this program exemplifies how healing and learning can come from restoring languages and sharing culture.
“Acknowledging our history and valuing the knowledge of Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples is key to our reconciliation journey.
“I congratulate Mossman State School and Kuku Yalanji Language Advisory Group for their commitment to nurturing a true partnership that has such positive outcomes for their community.
“Tonight we recognise them as a shining example of how respectful relationships and collaboration can help forge the path for reconciliation and a more inclusive society.”
The partnership was one of 16 inspiring and innovative initiatives recognised and celebrated at a ceremony in Brisbane as the winners and finalists of the 2019 Queensland Reconciliation Awards.
The Premier said the Queensland Reconciliation Awards celebrated businesses, community organisations, educational institutions and partnerships that were taking positive steps towards reconciliation across the state.
“My congratulations go to this year’s category winners for their contributions to reconciliation in Queensland and for their role in strengthening our communities,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
2019 Queensland Reconciliation Awards winners
• Premier’s Reconciliation Award
Mossman State School and Kuku Yalanji Language Advisory Group for Respect and Consultation: Honouring Kuku Yalanji Language at Mossman State Primary School
• Partnership category proudly supported by Lendlease
Mossman State School and Kuku Yalanji Language Advisory Group for Respect and Consultation: Honouring Kuku Yalanji Language at Mossman State Primary School
• Business category proudly supported by BHP
Australian BlackCard Pty Ltd for The BlackCard
• Community category proudly supported by ABC Radio Brisbane and Queensland
Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council for Yarrabah Band Festival
• Education category
Bald Hills State School for Turrwan Circle: Walking in the footsteps of the Turrbal People
[QLD Government Media Release]
