A Special Gathering for Language, Culture and Learning
Oyster Tribe Aboriginal Corporation has delivered its Listening to the Voices of Our Ancestors gathering, bringing around 35 young people together in Dubbo for an afternoon of Wiradjuri language, storytelling, songs and cultural learning.
Last Friday was a special afternoon at Oyster Tribe as we welcomed Aunty Iris to share language, stories and cultural knowledge with young people from across the Dubbo community.
Around 35 children and young people took part in the gathering, including both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal participants, creating a welcoming environment where everyone could listen, learn and participate together.
Learning Through Language, Story and Song
Aunty Iris began the afternoon by sharing a Dreamtime story, creating an opportunity for young people to sit together, listen and engage with knowledge passed down through storytelling.
From there, the session became increasingly interactive. Young people learnt and practised Wiradjuri words and phrases, joined Aunty Iris in songs, and took part in activities that encouraged them to use language together.
One particularly meaningful part of the afternoon was learning a song centred on respect through language, connecting language learning with the values and cultural knowledge carried through it.
What stood out most was the level of participation. The young people were not simply watching or listening. They were repeating words and phrases, singing together, asking questions and actively engaging with Aunty Iris throughout the session.
More Than a Language Session
For Oyster Tribe, Listening to the Voices of Our Ancestors is about creating opportunities for language and cultural knowledge to be shared naturally across generations.
Bringing Elders and young people together allows stories, words, songs and lived cultural knowledge to be heard, practised and experienced in a community setting.
Supporting Young People Beyond the Program
The afternoon was supported by four rostered staff members and seven volunteers, who assisted with activities, supervision, food and transport throughout the program. Afternoon tea was provided during the gathering, giving everyone an opportunity to relax, share food and spend time together.
The experience continued after the language activities finished. Young people were transported to the local skate park, where they enjoyed dinner together and had more time to socialise, build friendships and connect.
At the end of the evening, transport was provided to ensure participants were safely taken home.
Why Language Revival Matters
The gathering highlighted why creating these spaces is so important.
Language revival is about more than learning individual words. It is also about hearing stories, singing songs, spending time with Elders and creating opportunities for younger generations to build stronger connections with language, identity and culture.
These shared experiences help keep knowledge alive and create meaningful opportunities for young people to learn directly from those who carry it.
Thank You to Aunty Iris and Our Community
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Aunty Iris for generously sharing her time, stories, language and cultural knowledge with our young people.
We also thank our staff, volunteers, families and community members who helped make the afternoon possible — and, most importantly, the young people who came along and embraced the experience with such enthusiasm.
More Wiradjuri Language and Cultural Gatherings to Come
This gathering is only the beginning of Listening to the Voices of Our Ancestors, with further Wiradjuri language and cultural activities planned in Dubbo throughout the year.
Strong language. Strong culture. Strong futures. 🧡
Stay Connected with Oyster Tribe
Want to learn more about upcoming cultural activities, youth programs and community events? Contact the Oyster Tribe Aboriginal Corporation team or stay connected through our website.
Phone: (02) 5858 4029
Email: connect@oystertribe.org.au
Website: oystertribe.org.au
