Keeping Kimberley languages strong: ILF launches new songbook and album

The Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) has launched a vibrant new songbook and album that celebrates and preserves First Nations languages through music and storytelling. Titled the new songbook and album, the resource is part of ILF’s ongoing commitment to support remote communities in maintaining language, culture and identity.

Created in partnership with Yawuru and Walmajarri communities in Western Australia, the project brings together children, Elders, families, and educators to share songs in Yawuru, Walmajarri, and English. The bilingual songbook features lyrics, translations and artwork from local children, while the accompanying album captures performances by children and community members, creating an immersive and joyful learning experience.

The songbook was developed through ILF’s Book program, which aims to foster a love of reading and learning in early childhood. Workshops held on Country in Broome (Yawuru Country) and Fitzroy Crossing (Walmajarri Country) involved children in every step of the creative process from storytelling and songwriting to illustrating and performing.

Through these community-led workshops, children explored the importance of language, culture and connection to Country. The songs reflect real-life experiences and everyday observations from visiting family to watching bush turkeys, rooted in place-based knowledge and oral tradition.

Language champion and Walmajarri Elder Dolly Rogers highlighted the deep cultural significance of the project: “Language is everything. If you don’t know your language, you’re lost. We need to keep it alive.”

Elders and educators involved in the project shared stories about the impact of language revitalisation efforts, and how resources like the new songbook and album can support children to grow strong in identity and culture.

The songbook and album offer a valuable tool for early childhood services seeking to:

• Embed First Nations languages and cultural knowledge into learning programs
• Strengthen relationships with local Aboriginal communities
• Promote inclusive, culturally safe and place-based practice

Aligned with the principles of national early learning frameworks, the resource supports educators in fostering children’s sense of belonging, being and becoming through music and language.

The project contributes to ILF’s broader vision to ensure all children in remote communities have access to books and learning in the language they speak at home. With over 70 Indigenous languages represented in its publishing list, ILF is committed to amplifying First Nations voices through community-led publishing.

This new release is more than a songbook, it is a cultural artefact, a learning tool, and a testament to the power of language to connect generations. to ensure all children in remote communities have access to books and learning in the language they speak at home. With over 70 Indigenous languages represented in its publishing list, ILF is committed to amplifying First Nations voices through community-led publishing.

The new songbook and album is more than a songbook, it is a cultural artefact, a learning tool, and a testament to the power of language to connect generations.