Stories from the ILF

Whatever way you engage with January 26, make sure that culture, inclusion, and connection are centred.

On 22 October, talented 18-year-old student Mia Speed returned to her former Lincoln Gardens Primary School in Port Lincoln, South Australia to launch her first children's book written in her Wirangu language.

Two weeks ago the Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) proudly supported 11 young women from Tiwi College to travel to Sydney to write and illustrate a book in a week through the Create Initiative program.Â

Lachy Morton has beaten the World Record and cycled around Australia in 30 days 9 hours and 59 minutes to raise funds for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF).

Like My Brother is an inspiring film about four young Tiwi women who dare to dream. This is a story of sport as a force for change and a bridge between worlds as the girls encounter triumphs and disappointments before defining success on their own terms.  The ILF is proud to promote this documentary to Australia.

On Wednesday 4 September, we celebrated Indigenous Literacy Day (ILD) with the theme: "Be A Proud Voice For Country", including launching three beautiful new bilingual books.

Do you know what a Moondagutta is? Ever heard of Booglies? Register now for Indigenous Literacy Day to learn more!

Emma Tovey is a passionate Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF)  supporter who organised a "100km in a day" swim with people in different cities across Australia, raising an incredible $11,500 for the ILF!

The ILF is proud to welcome three new Board Members, Jillian Bowie, Helene Byfield and Julie to our growing team. Their expertise will help positively guide our programs for the years to come.

"The theme honours the enduring strength and vitality of First Nations culture - with fire a symbol of connection to Country, to each other, and to the rich tapestry of traditions that define Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples," explains the NAIDOC Committee.

The Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) is honoured to have won the prestigious Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award (ALMA) and to be the 2024 ALMA Laureate. ALMA is a global award given annually to a person or organisation for their outstanding contribution to children's and young adult literature. ILF Co-Chair Natalie Ahmat, ILF Founder Suzy Wilson, and ILF CEO Ben Bowen travelled to Sweden to accept the Award from HRH Crown Princess Victoria in Stockholm, Sweden. This award acknowledges the entire catalogue of work of the ILF and the special relationships that have enabled the ILF to publish Community stories, and provide books and literacy resources to remote parts of this country.

The ILF recently went on a Book Buzz trip for the first time since pre-covid. The intention was to meet some of our Communities, share resources and news, and celebrate them and their programs that have been supporting local families through Book Buzz resources and programs.

Women from Fitzroy Crossing have written and illustrated four bright, fun and bilingual children's books that will help to preserve their First Nations Languages and also share a snapshot of life in a remote Community.

"I am really proud, I'm proud to be an Ambassador, to voice what the ILF believes in and to help young people, and particularly First Nations young people, to inspire, motivate, and encourage. So that they will have opportunities and they will have experience and that they will be confident in whatever industry they will be in," says ILF Ambassador Jessica Mauboy.

First Nations primary students from five Sydney schools had the opportunity to learn about and meet a dugong for the launch of one of our biggest annual fundraisers, Great Book Swap! With beloved Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) Lifetime Ambassador and children's author, Andy Griffiths.

The Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) is excited to announce singer Emma Donovan, actor Thomas Weatherall, artist Ryhia Dank, TV personality Bianca Hunt and musician DOBBY have joined as ILF Ambassadors!

"This is my second book. I just want to continue on writing books. It's really important to me to share the Kriol language to help our Indigenous children. It's really important for our little ones and when they get older, they might, you know, do something like write a book too," says author Karen Manbulloo.

The Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) is honoured to welcome three new Board members, Amara Barnes, Thomas Mayo and Nicole Abadee. Amara, Thomas and Nicole will be joining a collection of incredible current ILF Board members, including Natalie Ahmat (Co-Chair), Jacqui Payne (Co-Chair), Leitha Assan, Louise Stark, Alicia Stewart and Gavin Williams. These new leaders in their respective fields will bring a range of different knowledge to the work of the ILF.