#18 Reviving Indigenous Voices of the Red Dirt: The Inspiring Journey of the Living First Language Platform

Discover how Eric Brace, Director of First Languages and Digital Innovation at The Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation, is breathing new life into Indigenous languages through the Living First Language Platform. Sparked by a conversation with Warumungu elder Mrs. Nixon Nakkamarra, who envisioned children thriving in both their native tongue and English, Eric’s journey as a social entrepreneur began with a commitment to culturally relevant education. The platform empowers Indigenous communities across Australia, from the Central Desert to the Torres Strait, to curate their own digital language resources, preserving words, stories, and voices for future generations. By fostering trust, bridging generations, and creating tools that are community-owned and device-agnostic, Eric’s work is sparking cultural pride and boosting literacy outcomes. Tune in to hear how this innovative platform is helping Indigenous Australians “walk the red dirt and the red carpet,” ensuring their linguistic heritage thrives in a modern world.