Before you start

Victorian Aboriginal Language (VAL) programs have different needs to other language programs. Before you start a VAL program at your school, you will need to consider the following information.

Protocols for engagement

Protocols encourage respect and trust between Aboriginal communities and schools. Engage with your local Aboriginal community to learn about their protocols.

A school should not commence Aboriginal language classes without agreement and support from local Aboriginal community, ideally through Local Aboriginal Education Consultative Groups (LAECG) and the Traditional Owners of the land on which the school stands. It is also important that everyone involved shows respect for the cultural and intellectual property rights of First Nations Peoples pertaining to Aboriginal languages and cultural knowledge.

Read the following material for more guidance on protocols:

the Department of Education and Training’s (DET) Koorie Cross-Curricular Protocols for Victorian government schools
the Victorian Aboriginal Education Association Inc.’s (VAEAI) Protocols for Koorie Education in Victorian Primary and Secondary Schools
the Victorian Curriculum F–10 – Victorian Aboriginal Languages

Community leader interviews

Important information

We respectfully caution Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander users that the following interviews contain images, voices and names of people who have passed away.

In these interviews, Aboriginal community leaders from across Victoria talk about a range of topics such as reasons for learning a Victorian Aboriginal language in schools, and the benefits and challenges.

Initial discussions

Key people to talk to

the principal, school council and other members of the school community who might be willing to support the idea
your region’s Koorie Education Coordinator (KEC) or Koorie Engagement Support Officer (KESO) and/or the Local Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (LAECG), who can refer you to the Traditional Owner group (further LAECG information here)
other Aboriginal educators at your school
a qualified language teacher
the classroom teacher

Government schools can also seek assistance by email from the Department of Education and Training's Koorie Outcomes Division. Catholic schools can contact the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Education Officer in their relevant diocese. The Victorian Aboriginal Corporation for Languages (VACL) can also provide assistance.

You will need to talk about

Which Aboriginal language should be taught in the school and who can learn the language?
Who will take an active part in the program?
Who else at the school and in the Aboriginal community might like to be involved?
Which year level will learn the language?
Is there an existing Aboriginal community language hub to link with?

Local Aboriginal community

Once your school has agreed on introducing a VAL program, you will need to seek approval from the local Koorie community, usually through your LAECG, and final endorsement from a representative of the Traditional Owners group.