Our Story
Language and culture is a fundamental part of who I am as an Aboriginal person.
I was privileged with the opportunity, on the behalf of my community, to complete the University of Sydney’s Masters of Indigenous Languages Education program and subsequently implement and teach the Gamilaraay language program in Wee Waa, New South Wales.
This experience has provided numerous personal accolades, including the 2013 University of Sydney Sister Alison Bush Graduate Medal and the 2014 NSW Public Schools Nanga Mai Award.
However, connecting myself and my community to culture through language continues to be the most inspiring and rewarding part of this experience.
Our Project
Winambuu is a language card game designed to promote the revitalisation of the Aboriginal Language of Gamilaraay (New South Wales, Australia).
Winambuu is an easy-to-learn strategy card game, using Gamilaraay words and sentences. You compete against other players compete to collect the most guwadhaa (quandong).
The success of the draft version of Winambuu has been in encouraging people to confidently speak Gamilaraay; ask questions about language and culture; share their knowledge and understanding with others; and to seek to further own knowledge and understanding.
The language card game will be professionally published and feature contemporary illustrations, valuing the importance of Aboriginal Languages and Culture in today's society.
Why It Matters
Language is tied to culture identity. The introduction of a penal colony to Australia in 1788 and centuries of subsequent Government policy has impacted on our Aborignal Languages, meaning the loss of culture, history, traditions, values, and social identity,
as well as unique grammar patterns.
Winambuu, the language card game, was developed as a teaching aid for the revitalisation of the Gamilaraay language. Professionaly publishing the language card game will make it accessible to a wider audience and engage further interest in learning about
Gamilaraay language and culture.
