04/09/2025
Yesterday, in our office, we took a moment to reflect on the significance of Indigenous Literacy Day and the resilience of Indigenous communities, especially as we thought about the struggles and triumphs of the past.
We shared with our team the remarkable story of Lake Tyers Aboriginal Reserve in Victoria, a pivotal moment in Australian history. During the 1950s and 1960s, when government policies sought to erase Indigenous identities and cultures, the people of Lake Tyers stood strong against these efforts. In 1965, they united to fight against the dismantling of their land and community, not just for the right to remain on their land but for the right to preserve their language, culture, and stories.
The community of Lake Tyers didn’t wait for outsiders to decide their future. They took charge by creating their own educational programs, focusing on passing down traditional knowledge and ensuring that their children grew up with a strong sense of identity and pride in their heritage.
In sharing this story, we reflected on the broader importance of Indigenous literacy, which goes far beyond just reading and writing. It's about preserving and respecting the culture, language, and history of Indigenous peoples. It reminded us of the power of stories, how they connect us to the past, help us understand the present, and inspire us to ensure that Indigenous voices continue to be heard and celebrated.
We felt honored to pause and learn from this powerful history and to recognize the ongoing work needed to ensure literacy and cultural preservation for future generations.