Instigated by MK Turner OAM, Children’s Ground embarked on a special project to capture and revitalise the Akarre-Akityarre language alongside senior Akarre-Akityarre speakers, many of whom are learning the older use of the language from MK. Their work culminated in an Akarre-Akityarre wordlist (including a spoken version) and a children’s picture dictionary. Language workshops were held at Bonya and Atitjere communities in partnership with the local school where children were introduced to this threatened language, learning to speak it and revive it for future generations.

The Akarre-Akityarre wordlist was revised and recorded in partnership with The University of Melbourne. The picture dictionary was created in partnership with Department of Education, Northern Territory Government, Bonya school and Atitjere Stronger Communities for Children. Thank you to First Languages Australia for funding this important language project.