Noel Pearson nephew brings ancient language to Canberra

Noel Pearson’s nephew translates the first minutes of his press club speech into their native language.

Noel Pearson, founder of the Cape York Institute for Policy and Leadership, with young Cape York boy Kian Woibo, the National Press Club in Canberra.

When Noel Pearson heard his great-nephew Kian Woibo speak their native language at church in Cape York, he wanted to share the moment with the rest of the country.

After a 3500km journey to the nation’s capital, 12-year-old Kian sat on stage with Mr Pearson at the National Press Club yesterday and translated the first few minutes of his great-uncle’s speech in Guugu Yimidhirr, the language of 13 Cape York clans.

“This boy’s great-grandfather once told me: ‘I often listen to you speaking on the radio and on television. I have a great desire to hear you speak in our language. Speak to them, all the great numbers of white people and other peoples who have come to this country on ships, to make a home in our home,” Mr Pearson said.

“ ‘Tell them we also have languages. We are the original owners of this land. They may not know we have our own languages and that our languages are the languages of this land that is now Australia’.”

Club chief Maurice Reilly said it marked the first time any Aboriginal language had been spoken at an address.

Kian’s great-aunt Lillian Bowen, who joined the pair on stage, has been working with primary school students to revive the ancient language.

“My heart is very large for this boy and all our children,” Mr Pearson said.

“They are learning to speak, read and write in the white people’s language, English, but they are not leaving their own language behind. They will not forget their language.

“Yesterday was Australia Day. The story of Australia is still green, only 228 years.

“The story of indigenous Australia is much older, more than 53,000 years. It is fitting and right that today this young man and I speak to you in our own language, one of the great languages of ancient Australia.”