A proud Rak Mak Mak Marranunggu woman, Territorian and Principal Research Fellow at Charles Darwin University’s Northern Institute will present this year’s Eric Johnston Lecture.

Associate Professor Linda Payi Ford will discuss the language used to carry out work between Tyikma (Aboriginal) and Padakoot (non-Aboriginal) people, to support and improve relationships and connections between them. Her lecture asks the question Aminila bit tjan kin-ning wurrkama gu? Are we all working together with a united voice for treaty and truth?

The Eric Johnston Lecture has been running since 1986, when Commodore Eric Johnston was the Administrator, and invites a prominent Territorian to reflect on an aspect of development in the Northern Territory.

Past Eric Johnston Lecture speakers have included Sister Anne Gardiner, educator and 2017 Senior Australian of the Year, Mandawuy Yunupingu, 1992 Australian of the Year and Sir Paul Hasluck, former Governor-General of Australia. Transcripts and recordings of former guest speakers can be found at https://ntl.nt.gov.au/eric-johnston-lecture

This year’s Eric Johnston Lecture will take place at 5.30pm on Wednesday, 23 October at Library & Archives NT in Parliament House. Admission is free, but bookings are essential. Visit ntl.nt.gov.au.

Quotes from Patrick Gregory, Senior Director of Library & Archives NT:

“The Eric Johnston Lecture is an annual highlight for the Library. Each year we are fortunate to hear stories and insights that reflect on the development of the Northern Territory and help paint a richer picture of our past.

“Highlighting the significance of Aboriginal knowledge, languages and culture, this year’s lecture recognises the United Nations International Year of Indigenous Languages and the 2019 NAIDOC theme: Voice. Treaty. Truth.

“We’re thrilled to have Dr Ford share her knowledge and experiences with us.”

Quotes from Associate Professor Linda Payi Ford:

“Today, we are the ones to continue making the choices about which threads to add to the social fabric of Indigenous Affairs. It’s about the words, the languages and non-verbal communication methods we use to design and develop our future people, policy and place.

“I was teaching the next generation of teachers during Eric’s time at Batchelor and I will focus on his achievements during this time, many of which have stood the test of time.”

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