Learn Wiradjuri

May 11, 2022 / By SBS Learn

Wirdajuri Workbook series
Wirdajuri Workbook series Source: SBS

About this resource 

We pay homage and respect to all our Elders on our Countries – we are Wiradjuri and Gamilaroi – and we pay respect to the Elders on whichever Nation and Country you are on today, reading this resource.” – Lynette Riley and Diane Riley-McNaboe.

Yaama! (Gamilaroi for Hello!)

Developed during the coronavirus pandemic, Associate Professor Lynette Riley and Diane Riley-McNaboe, two Dubbo-born sisters from both Wiradjuri (Dubbo) and Gamilaroi (Moree) Nations, created seven workbooks for a time of limited contact with our family and friends. SBS Learn are very privileged to be able to share two of these with teachers on our website.

Aunty Lynette and Aunty Dianne were keen to assist young people to engage with Aboriginal culture and to offer possibilities for Aboriginal peoples to access educational opportunities, they worked with SBS Learn to transform their published workbooks into teacher’s resources. Now you can bring the East Coast Aboriginal language of Wiradjuri into your student’s lives!

About the authors 

2 women wearing Aboriginal possom skin cloaks looking off into the distance

Lynette and Diane are Dubbo-born sisters, from both Wiradjuri (Dubbo) and Gamilaroi (Moree) Nations, who have made significant contributions to the continuation, study and celebration of their Wiradjuri culture. Both are teachers and work predominantly within the field of education (Lynette is at Sydney University, Diane is based in Dubbo, and works across schools and community). They are especially keen to assist young people to engage with Aboriginal culture and to offer possibilities for Aboriginal peoples to access educational opportunities.  

Volume 1: Sounds, Numbers, People & Family 

Graphic of the Wiradjuri workbooks in an amber pattern

The first book in the Wiradjuri Workbooks – Volume 1 Ngumbaay – covers Sounds, Numbers, People & Family. The activities set out in this resource will:

  • Connect children, parents and families together;
  • Build understanding of Wiradjuri culture through language, symbols and tracks;
  • Teach how to describe family terms, Kinship, body parts and colours in language;
  • Include practical and engaging activities, and;
  • Feature written translations in Wiradjuri and English.

You can find the online teacher resource on SBS Learn, or as a downloadable digital version (PDF).

Volume 2: Family Terms, Body Parts & Colours 

Graphic of the Wiradjuri workbooks in an orange pattern

The second book in the Wiradjuri Workbooks – Volume 2 Bula – covers Family Terms, Body Parts & Colours. The activities set out in this resource:

  • Connect children, parents and families together;
  • Build understanding of Wiradjuri culture through language, symbols and tracks;
  • Teach how to describe family terms, Kinship, body parts and colours in language;
  • Include practical and engaging activities, and;
  • Feature written translations in Wiradjuri and English.

You can find the online teacher resource on SBS Learn, or as a downloadable digital version (PDF).