Two Years On: Celebrating the Djukun Language Revival with a Historic Children’s Book Launch, 50 Words in Djukun
Children’s Book: 50 Words in Djukun a Language of the West Kimberley
On 23rd December 2025, we gathered on Djukun Country, Jirr.ngin.ngan (Broome), Western Australia to celebrate a momentous occasion the launch of a children’s book 50 Words in Djukun, a language of the West Kimberley by Jaala Ozies, a proud Djukun woman and children’s author.
This groundbreaking book, the first of its kind, documents 50 fundamental words in the Djukun language, marking a vital step in preserving and sharing Djukun cultural heritage for generations to come. Endorsed by Djukun Elders, the book reflects how far the community has come since committing to the self-funded Djukun 50 Words Language Revitalisation Project in 2023.
The inspiration for this book came from the 50 Words Online Platform, developed by the Research Unit for Indigenous Language at the University of Melbourne. This platform documents 50 words for Indigenous language groups from across Australia, and Jaala envisioned the book as a valuable learning tool for younger Djukun generations—wherever they are located—so they can embrace their language and cultural identity with pride.
Explore the Djukun words online: https://50words.online/languages/Djukun.
Jaala Ozies shared her heartfelt vision for the project:
“Language revitalisation has the power to profoundly impact our community by strengthening our connection to Country and ensuring our Djukun culture remains strong for generations to come.”
— Jaala Ozies, 2025
Djukun Elders expressed their pride and hope for the future. Elder Fabian Nasir emphasised:
“This Djukun language book is not only a step towards reclaiming our language and cultural heritage knowledge but also a necessary action to ensure that the Djukun identity is not erased from Broome but rather continues to thrive for generations to come.”
— Fabian Nasir, Djukun Elder
Elder Mary Ozies added a deeply personal message:
“As a Djukun Elder, it is my privilege to celebrate Jaala Ozies, my niece, on the release of her book 50 Words in Djukun. Her tireless efforts in preserving the Djukun language have enabled the younger generation to embrace their cultural identity with pride.”
— Mary Ozies, Djukun Elder
The launch was not only a celebration of language but also of resilience, unity, and cultural pride. This book stands as a testament to the dedication of Djukun Elders, community members, and supporters who have worked tirelessly to reclaim and revitalise their language. It is more than a publication—it is a valuable learning resource tool of hope and a profound example of cultural heritage preservation.
For more information about how you can help or to purchase a book reach out by sending an email to djukunnation@gmail.com
https://arts.unimelb.edu.au/research-unit-for-indigenous-language/news-and-events/50-words-in-djukun
ENDS-
