In Anangu (Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara) communities and lifeworlds, song is a life-giving thread that draws together Country, stories, histories, law, dance, creation, and relatedness. Similarly, singing is a vital ingredient to a healthy and engaging school-based education where first languages and knowledges are centred.

Associate Professor Sam Osborne has worked in Anangu Educaiton for more than 30 years and will share a history of singing in Anangu schooling as well as resources developed for high quality first language and music activities in Anangu schools. Sam is the Associate Director, Regional Engagement (APY Lands) and coordinates the Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara language and culture courses at Adelaide University. The workshop will explain the University’s pedagogical approach to learning Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara language and how this pedagogy shapes the method for choral and group singing in Anangu communities. Sam will also share a little about the resurgence of the Ernabella choral tradition through the Ernabella Anangu School choir and the Iwiri choir.

Adelaide University has a partnership with Iwiri Aboriginal Corporation, a member-based community organisation for Anangu living in Adelaide. Through this partnership, Adelaide University works with senior Anangu language and cultural experts. As part of the workshop, there will be opportunities to sing along in Pitjantjatjara language with an Anangu tutor to guide us.