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Batchelor Institute's Strong Presence at Puliima Indigenous Languages Conference
Home Batchelor Institute's Strong Presence at Puliima Indigenous Languages Conference
02 September 2025
5 minute read

Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education (RTO 0383), located on Kungarakan, Warai, Arrernte and Larrakia Country, proudly participated in the biennial Puliima ‘Echoes of the past, Voices of the Future’ Indigenous Languages and Technology Conference held in Darwin on Larrakia Country from 25 to 29 August 2025. This gathering brought together language workers, educators, and community members from across Australia and internationally to share innovative approaches to reviving and maintaining First Nations languages. Around 40 staff, community members, and students from Batchelor's Centre for Australian Languages and Linguistics (CALL) and partner communities attended, highlighting the Institute's commitment to language revitalisation through its "Both Ways" philosophy.

We acknowledge the Larrakia people as Traditional Custodians of the conference lands and pay respects to Elders past and present. Batchelor Institute remains committed to supporting language revival efforts, aligning with our mission to educate and liberate through Indigenous-led initiatives.

The conference provided a vital platform for showcasing the ground-breaking work happening in Indigenous languages and language education. Altogether, eight presentations featured Batchelor staff or students, demonstrating the depth of expertise and community-driven initiatives supported by the Institute.

A standout highlight was the Pertame Language School, an initiative based in and supported through CALL on Arrernte Country. They delivered two keynote addresses: one at the Young Champions gathering and another at the main conference. These sessions focused on their innovative "Fluency Transfer" method—adapted from the Native American Salish people—to revitalise the Pertame language. Young adults have learned from Elders and developed immersive programs for children, ensuring intergenerational transmission of knowledge.

Participants also engaged in cultural exchanges, such as learning raffia-making from pandanus and finger-weaving techniques from Hawaii. Students from Ltyentye Apurte joined in, while Tiwi students from Wurrumiyanga supported the "Weaving, Dance and Song" presentation by the Tiwi Aunties. In a powerful moment of cultural continuity, younger performers joined the Wangatunga Strong Women Group on stage at the Australia's Got Language Talent event during the gala dinner—marking the first time youth have participated, symbolising their dedication to maintaining language and culture.

Other notable presentations included:

  • Betty Warlapinni, Chloe Tipiloura, and Mara-Munkara Murphy discussing the Keeping Tiwi Strong Project for intergenerational Tiwi maintenance.
  • Eric Morrison, a student in the Certificate II in Learning an Australian First Nations Language (10891NAT), sharing the impact of his studies on reviving Dagoman.
  • Renee Gorey speaking on behalf of Eastern Arrernte students from the Certificate III in Learning an Australian First Nations Language (10891NAT), and their support for bilingual schooling.
  • Susan Doolan, Benedict Hayes, Carol Merentju, Jonathan McCormack, Annette Gilligan, and Lisa Mulda—education workers from Titjikala and Finke Apatula—presenting on Yankunytjatjara language and culture in schools, delivered entirely in Yankunytjatjara. Young Maṯutharra champions joined to discuss a country visit to Mt Peachy, using the session as evidence toward their Certificate III competency.
  • Batchelor lecturers Kate Paynter and Lavinia Heffernan presenting with the International Network for Skills Training in Intergenerational Language Sustainability (INSTILS), highlighting global best practices.
  • CALL Managers Angela Harrison and Camille Dobson, alongside Arrernte linguist Veronica Dobson, showcasing technology tools for community-led language research, including the new website Arne ingkerreke apurtelhe-ileme (veronicadobson.au).
  • Emma Browne supporting presentations on professional learning networks for Central Australian language teachers, including the long-standing Warlpiri community of practice.

These contributions underscore Batchelor Institute's role in empowering Indigenous Australians through education that respects and integrates cultural knowledge. As Renee Gorey reflected on the Eastern Arrernte students' aspirations, the programs are fostering bilingual approaches that strengthen community schooling.

Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education (RTO 0383) is Australia’s leading provider of tertiary education for Indigenous Australians, delivering Vocational Education and Training (VET) and higher education grounded in the “Both Ways” philosophy. With campuses on Kungarakan and Warai Country in Batchelor and Arrernte Country in Alice Springs, the Institute empowers students to achieve liberation through education. Learn more at batchelor.edu.au.