Less than half of more than 250 Aboriginal language groups existing at the time of European settlement are still spoken. 

The National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Week theme for 2017 is “language matters”. 

Vickie Simpson, of Aboriginal Medical Services (AMS), said “there was once a time when people were arrested for speaking their native language”. Ms Simpson said Indigenous culture is hurt when languages die, so it’s important young people are encouraged to at least learn some of the basics.

She said Wiradjuri words will be taught at an AMS Family Fun Day at West End Oval on Thursday.

Griffith Base Hospital will also be running an “our language matters” barbecue for hospital staff on Wednesday. 

NAIDOC Week continues with a launch of Warangesda art and history exhibition at the Griffith Regional Art Gallery on Thursday at 6pm. The week ends on Friday, July 7, at 11am with a free screening of Zach’s Ceremony at the Griffith Regional Theatre, followed by lunch.

NAIDOC Week kicked off on Monday with with a flag-raising ceremony at Griffith City Council, which included the launch of the ‘Centenary Spears’ exhibition.

AMS hosted a ‘passport to better health’ open day event on Tuesday, where free health tests were offered.  

For more information on NAIDOC Week, contact Council on 6962 8100.