Casey Donovan Instagram – Day 3: 123 push-ups
Today’s target is 123 push-ups, to recognise the 123 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages spoken today. Keeping this intact will promote First Nations people’s connection to culture and social and emotional wellbeing.
There were once more than 780 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages in use in Australia. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage spans over 65,000 years, and is deeply rooted in connection to language, culture, land and each other.
First Australians experience significantly higher levels of mental health challenges than other Australians. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, an estimated 31% of Indigenous adults reported ‘high or very high’ levels of psychological distress.
A significant body of research has demonstrated that when Indigenous peoples maintain connection with their languages and culture, they experience social, emotional, cognitive and health advantages.
The National Indigenous Languages report (2020) found that First Nations peoples who speak their language are more likely to feel happy, full of life, calm and full of energy, than those who speak only English.
Unfortunately, over 90% of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages are now critically endangered, with just over 123 languages still being spoken.
For many Indigenous Australians, language is a key part of identity, and feeling a sense of belonging and strong cultural identity are key indicators of good mental health.
Song by @emmadonovan_music Singing in Gumbaynggirr language | Posted on 07/Jun/2024 11:21:36
