Charles Sturt University (CSU) will offer a new Graduate Certificate in Wiradjuri Language, Culture and Heritage program for 2014 to preserve and revive the community’s language.
The Wiradjuri people were the First Nations peoples of the central west and western slopes and plains region of NSW. Wiradjuri country extends from Coonabarabran in the north, straddling the Great Dividing Range down to the Murray River and out to western NSW.
Like many other Aboriginal languages, colonisation meant the Wiradjuri language was almost lost during the 20th century but has recently undergone a revival. It is now taught in some central west high schools and has been the focus of programs such as CSU’s Wiradjuri Language and Cultural Heritage Recovery Project.
The new course will enable students to teach the Wiradjuri language in TAFE, non-TAFE providers, community settings and community organisations and to work effectively with the Wiradjuri community.
“Ultimately, this course will allow students to directly contribute to the recovery of the Wiradjuri language and future nation building initiative,” CSU Centre for Indigenous Studies Foundation Chair of Indigenous Studies, Professor Jeannie Herbert says.
“The course builds students’ knowledge of Wiradjuri culture and heritage and includes community-based professional placements to help them develop the practical skills they will need to undertake community education roles.
“Students work with a community mentor and members of the Wiradjuri community to plan and implement a project to build capacity in the community in practical ways.
“All of these activities are aimed at providing students with experiential insights that will help them contribute to building better lives and futures for members of the Wiradjuri Nation and wider community.”
The course is offered through a combination of online distance education, field support and face-to-face residential schools held at CSU in Wagga Wagga, NSW.
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