The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) has launched a new Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) aimed at boosting Indigenous representation across its media platforms.
Along with a commitment to greater use of local languages in its networks, the Elevate RAP 2019-22 plan also introduces rights and release forms for Indigenous participants, enabling individuals and communities to retain copyright and ownership of their cultural knowledge and languages when dealing with the ABC.
ABC said it will partner with First Languages Australia to develop a new version of the ‘Gambay Map’ to promote the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages
“In this International Year of Indigenous Languages and beyond, the ABC is dedicated to ensuring First Nations’ voices are heard in our organisation and reflected in our content for audiences,” said ABC’s Managing Director, David Anderson.
“Our vision for reconciliation is an Australia in which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander words, voices and languages become an everyday part of the national vocabulary.”
He said the ABC plan had the support of Reconciliation Australia whose Chief Executive, Karen Mundine welcomed it.
“The ABC continues to lead national reconciliation action in the Australian media industry,” Ms Mundine said.
“The ABC’s vision for reconciliation and the leadership role that the organisation has taken to embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander names, voices and languages into Australia’s national vocabulary is what has earned the ABC its Elevate RAP,” she said.
The ABC’s 23-page action plan can be accessed at this PS News link.
