20 Aug Seven Indigenous Literacy Foundation books recognised in new global collection
Seven books published by the Indigenous Literacy Foundation have been selected for a new international collection celebrating children’s books in Indigenous and endangered languages.
The books will form part of the inaugural IBBY-UNESCO Collection of Remarkable Books for Young Readers in Indigenous and Endangered Languages, a joint initiative of the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) and UNESCO.
The collection was launched at the 40th IBBY World Congress in Ottawa, Canada, on 6 August and aims to recognise books that help preserve and strengthen Indigenous and endangered languages.
The seven Australian books selected
Ngirringirri Kirijinga Japalinga (Shining Little Star)
Created by Pirlangimpi, Tiwi Islands, FaFT families and bubs, this book celebrates Tiwi language, family, culture and Community. Its creators hope it will help Tiwi children keep their language and culture strong.
NT Mob Sharing Stories in Language
This collection brings together nine stories from nine regions across the Northern Territory. It includes languages such as Arrernte, Anindilyakwa, Warlpiri, Murrinhpatha, Kunwinjku, Djambarrpuyŋu, Wubuy and Kriol, alongside English.
Winthali (Fire)
A traditional Bunuba story adapted into a picture book by Joe Willigan Ross and Stacey Bush, with illustrations by Remi Nyandat Ross and Boheme Baiana Ross.
Kala (Colour)
Created by Bunbury Elders from the Birdiya Waangkiny Elders Group, Kala introduces young readers to Noongar words for different colours.
Ngayawanj bagan-nggul, ngayawanj barra barra-nggul (We belong to the land, we belong to the sea)
Students from Vincentia High School in NSW worked with Kirli Saunders and Jaz Corr to create this poetry collection featuring Dhurga language and illustrations. The poems explore the students’ connections to Country.
Buga Yanu Junba
Created in the Kimberley, this collection of original songs features Bunuba, Gooniyandi, Walmajarri, Kimberley Kriol and English. The songs, stories and illustrations reflect everyday life, language and culture for young children and families.
Country Tells Us When…
By Tsheena Cooper, Mary Dann, Dalisa Pigram-Ross and Sheree Ford, this picture book introduces children to the seasons of Yawuru Country in and around Rubibi (Broome), Western Australia.
The ILF also celebrated the inclusion of Tiwi Girl Hunters, published by Hachette Australia. The book was created by Tiwi College students through the ILF’s Create initiative, which gives young First Nations people experience in writing, illustrating, editing and publishing.
Why the recognition matters
ILF CEO Ben Bowen said the selection recognised the work Indigenous Communities are doing to keep languages and storytelling strong.
“These remarkable books ensure that future generations have access to the words, stories and cultures of their grandparents, great-grandparents and generations before them,” he said.
The selected books will appear in the official IBBY-UNESCO catalogue and at international book fairs and exhibitions. The permanent collection will eventually be housed at the UNESCO Library in Paris.
The project is part of UNESCO’s International Decade of Indigenous Languages 2022–2032.
The featured books are available through the Indigenous Literacy Foundation and selected bookstores.
