Indigenous Literary Foundation Welcomes New Board Members

Indigenous Literary Foundation Welcomes New Board Members

Proud Merlam and Erublam neur/woman Jillian Bowie has been appointed as one of three new board members of the Indigenous Literary Foundation, marking a significant addition to the organization’s leadership. Indigenous Literary Foundation Welcomes New Board Members

Ms. Bowie, a Samsep and Zagareb woman from the islands of Erub and Mer in the Kemer Kemer Meriam Nation of Zenadth Kes (Torres Strait), joins esteemed leaders Julie Burland, CEO of Penguin Random House Australia and New Zealand, and Helene Byfield, merchandise manager at Books Kinokuniya. These appointments underscore the Foundation’s commitment to fostering Indigenous culture, language, and literacy across Australia.

Indigenous Literary Foundation Welcomes New Board Members

“Literacy connects us. Literacy is communication through storytelling, where the passing on of knowledge is preserved in books that can speak into the ears and hearts of our people near and far,” Ms. Bowie emphasized.

She continued, “This is important for those of us who have been dispossessed of country, culture, language, and kin. No matter where we live, we remain connected to our stories, language, and people.”

Currently serving as senior program officer for First Languages Australia’s First Nations Languages Education Program team, Ms. Bowie highlighted how literacy bridges Indigenous communities with the broader society. “It is our voice; our truth telling,” she affirmed. “When we captivate children through literacy, we are planting seeds nurtured to grow into trees that bear fruit for others to sustain, to keep the fire burning, and our voices strong.”

Indigenous Literary Foundation Welcomes New Board Members

Julie Burland, with a longstanding career at Penguin Random House, expressed her alignment with the ILF’s mission. “We are fundamentally aligned with the ILF ethos of fostering culture, stories, language, and literacy. Joining the Board felt like a natural step to explore how PRH and I can further support this important and worthy cause,” Ms. Burland remarked.

Echoing this sentiment, Helene Byfield from Books Kinokuniya emphasized the transformative power of books. “Books provide a wonderful way to build empathy and create opportunity,” she noted. “Joining the ILF Board gives me the opportunity to personally provide more hands-on and direct support for their fantastic work.”

The Indigenous Literacy Foundation co-chair, Natalie Ahmat, praised the new appointees for their extensive experience and expertise in publishing, bookselling, and advocacy for First Nations languages. “Their insights and perspectives will prove invaluable as the ILF continues to grow and thrive,” Ms. Ahmat stated. She also expressed gratitude to outgoing directors Louise Stark and Leitha Assan for their dedicated service over the past six years.

The Indigenous Literacy Foundation, a national charity, works closely with remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia. Recently recognized with the prestigious Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award for 2024, the ILF remains committed to its mission of promoting literacy and preserving Indigenous languages and stories.

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Source: https://nit.com.au/25-07-2024/12707/indigenous-literacy-foundation-welcomes-new-board-members

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