Charles Sturt University (CSU) has announced a new Graduate Certificate in Wiradjuri Language, Culture and Heritage program for 2014 which will help Wiradjuri and non-Wiradjuri people preserve the community's language for generations to come.

 

The Wiradjuri people were the First Nations peoples of the central west and western slopes and plains region of NSW. Wiradjuri country extends from Coonabarabran in the north, straddling the Great Dividing Range down to the Murray River and out to western NSW. Wiradjuri traditional country includes the townships of Dubbo, Condobolin, Orange, Bathurst, Wagga Wagga, Albury, Narrandera, and Griffith.

 

Due to the effects of colonisation the Wiradjuri language was almost lost during the 20^th century but has recently undergone a revival. It is now taught in some central west high schools and has been the focus of programs such as CSU’s Wiradjuri Language and Cultural Heritage Recovery Project.

 

CSU Centre for Indigenous Studies Foundation Chair of Indigenous Studies, Professor Jeannie Herbert, said the new course would enable students to teach the Wiradjuri language in TAFE, non-TAFE providers, community settings and community organisations and to work effectively with the Wiradjuri community in culturally appropriate and sensitive ways.

 

“Ultimately, this course will allow students to directly contribute to the recovery of the Wiradjuri language and future nation building initiative,” she said.

 

“The course builds students ’ knowledge of Wiradjuri culture and heritage and includes community-based professional placements to help them develop the practical skills they will need to undertake community education roles.

 

“Students work with a community mentor and members of the Wiradjuri community to plan and implement a project to build capacity in the community in practical ways.

 

“All of these activities are aimed at providing students with experiential insights that will help them contribute to building better lives and futures for members of the Wiradjuri Nation and wider community.”

 

The course is offered through blended mode delivery, including online distance education, field support and face-to-face residential schools held at CSU in Wagga Wagga.

 

CSU is the leading provider of distance education in Australia, with almost 25,000 students learning online.