Community
5 December, 2023
Keeping language alive at Mossman Library
Mossman Library’s successful Bilingual Storytime series has come to an end with a book, promoting local indigenous language, presented to Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr.
Jinkalmu – A Kuku Yalanji Story was created by Mossman State School in consultation with traditional owners.
Indigenous Leaders of the Future mentor and Mossman State School teacher aide Sandra Burcombe said the book had been two years in the making.
“To share our culture in written form as well as oral is really good and it just carries on from our language program at school,” she said.
“I know of one class at the moment who’s actually using it in their literacy program, and it’s also a resource for anyone to borrow at the library or reading room.”
Mayor Kerr said the book would be a valuable inclusion to the library’s collection.
“Language is part of your life and your soul and keeping it alive through this next generation is just so important,” Mayor Kerr said at the presentation.
“Let’s keep it going and the more books like this we can have at the library, the better.”
Jinkalmu – A Kuku Yalanji Story will also be for sale at the library and school. Money raised will go towards the Indigenous Leaders of the Future program.
