On our latest field trip, a small party journeyed out to north-west regional NSW to launch two books published in dual language.
The books are the first series to be published in Paakjantij language and English and are aimed at children who are just learning to read.
No Tharlta on the Bus and Lenny & the Big Red Malka are written and illustrated by Faith Baisden, an Indigenous Language Consultant, author and publisher who worked in consultation with Wilcannia elder Murray Butcher to develop the books.
Murray teaches at Wilcannia Central High School and is a Paakantji Language & Culture Officer. Last year at the launch of the first book in the series, My Mara Love to Clap, Murray said that it was incredibly important for children to have books published in their own language.
A ‘sound pen’ with the pronunciation of the Paakantji words has also been produced to accompany the books.
This project is made possible with the assistance of the Copyright Agency Cultural Fund.
The Indigenous Literacy Foundation works as an initiative of the Australian Book Industry with the support of:
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Indigenous Literacy Foundation is registered with the ACNC and is a Public Benevolent Institution with DGR1 and TCC status.
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