Mirima Dawang Woorlab-gerring Language and Culture Centre
Indigenous-Led Language Project Unites Australia, Japan
Through the Miriwoong-Ainu Language and Culture Exchange Project, the Indigenous communities of Miriwoong in Australia and Ainu in Japan are partnering to bring ancient languages back to life in the modern world.
Mirima Dawang Woorlab-gerring Language and Culture Centre (MDWg) in Kununurra, Western Australia, has partnered with The Foundation for Ainu Culture in Japan to raise public awareness about the issue of language endangerment.
This ground-breaking partnership is the first time Indigenous communities from the two countries have collaborated to exchange ideas about language revitalisation.
Supported by the Australian Government through the Australia-Japan Foundation of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the project also aligns perfectly with the UNESCO’s International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022-2032).
Mirima Language Centre Senior Linguist Dr. Knut J. Olawsky said, “Indigenous languages are complex and unique systems of knowledge and culture. Reviving and maintaining endangered languages will help Australia and Japan to continue on a path of sustainable development and reconciliation.”
The exchange will involve visits from representatives of both communities, with a small delegation from The Foundation for Ainu Culture arriving in Kununurra in April 2025 and a Miriwoong delegation visiting the Ainu community on their traditional lands in June 2025.
The President of the Foundation for Ainu Culture, Prof. Teruki Tsunemoto said, “Like many Indigenous groups in Australia, the Ainu are facing the same challenges in that their language is threatened by extinction. This project will enable us to learn from each other and share strategies that will help preserve the precious heritage transmitted since ancient times.”
This project will also help future generations retain their linguistic and cultural identity.
This is critical for uplifting social wellbeing of communities. Research indicates that individuals who can speak their mother tongue have significantly better mental and physical health, increased self-esteem, are more likely to attend and finish school, gain employment and are even less likely to abuse alcohol or illicit substances.
Miriwoong elder and MDWg Director David Newry said, “It’s good to see how different cultures meet and share the challenges and solutions we have in common in bringing back our traditional languages. Language is our identity: It shows us who we are and will teach young people to show respect towards their Elders and their country in everyday life.”