Language is power

"Language is power, life and the instrument of culture, the instrument of domination and liberation" Angela Carter

Previous NAIDOC Committee Co-Chair Benjamin Mitchell said, ‘The preservation and revitalization of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages – the original languages of this nation – is the preservation of priceless treasure, not just for Indigenous peoples, but for everyone.’ 

Language can unite communities and encourage the formation of mutual understandings. Following on from National Reconciliation Week, Kids Helpline NSW celebrated an important piece of work in the re-naming of their teams using Darug language on the 6th June 2022. The project was the culmination of a partnership between Kids Helpline NSW and the Darug Custodian Aboriginal Corporation. 

Eight new Darug team names were handed over as part of the celebration. Nura – Country; Yura – People; Mudyin – Family; Gurung – Child; Birrung – Stars; Guwiyang – Fire; Ngarra – To Think, Learn and Listen; Bayala – Speak.

In the counselling profession there is an expression “Small Change, Big Difference.” In renaming our Kids Helpline teams using Darug language - we are demonstrating a small change - a small step toward reconciliation. 

Special guests included Darug Elder Erin Wilkins representing the Darug Custodian Aboriginal Corporation and the Walangari Karntawarra Diramu Aboriginal Dance and Didgeridoo Group who actively engaged with the 60+ guests through education, music and song and dance. Other guests included community and government partners, members of yourtown, De La Salle and of course the Kids Helpline Counselling team.
 

Author: Sarah Van Bentum, KidsHelpline