Protect language, protect country

Earth Matters

Karina Lester, Yankunytjatjara-Anangu woman from South Australia, tells us about her work to reclaim, revive and maintain Aboriginal languages.Karina's late father was blinded by the nuclear testing program in the 1950s. The Lester family have played an enormous role speaking out against nuclear dangers, from nuclear weapons to radioactive waste.Karina explains the critical role of language in knowing and protecting country, as evidenced by the successful Irati Wanti campaign to prevent the construction of a radioactive waste dump, led by Aboriginal women with special knowledge.This talk was recorded aboard the Peace Boat's recent voyage to Oceania.The Jabiluka calendars mentioned in the show are available for $12 online at Marrawuddi Gallery.Music by the Brolga Boys and Combat Wombat.Image of Karina Lester speaking at Making Waves in Sydney, Redfern Community Centre, by John Janson-Moore.