Presented in connection with the Wangka Wakaṉutja: The Story of the Papunya Literature Production Centre exhibition, this talk reflects on the role of books in connecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with language, culture and stories. 

Ben Bowen will discuss the Indigenous Literacy Foundation’s Community-led commitment to creating and sharing books in First Languages, and the positive impact this work has for children, families and Communities.

Drawing on the idea of language cultivation in comparison to preservation, learn how living languages continue to grow when they are spoken, read, written and shared. Ben will also share the ILF programs that support Communities to create, publish and celebrate their own stories.

Attend in person 

Entry to this event is free but bookings are essential. 

Watch online 

The presentation will also be available online. Please make a booking and we will send you a direct link to the livestream event via email. Or you can join anytime through the Library's YouTube channel.

About Wangka Wakaṉutja: The Story of the Papunya Literature Production Centre

Wangka Wakaṉutja: The Story of the Papunya Literature Production Centre showcases material from beautifully illustrated books which were created by the community of Papunya in the Northern Territory between 1979 and 1990.  

The community wrote, illustrated, and then printed more than 350 books for children in their own Pintupi and Luritja languages. The exhibition delights people of all ages with illustrated stories of first contact, Dreamings, community life, plants and animals and more. 

Learn more about the exhibition

About Ben Bowen

Ben Bowen is the CEO of the Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF). He is a proud Aboriginal man, a descendent of the Wiradjuri Nation with family links to the Gandangara, Dharrawal and Yuin Nations. He was born and raised on the Gadigal and Wangal lands of the Sydney basin.

Ben has worked nationally and internationally, collaborating with both Indigenous Communities and government to create opportunities in education, health and economic development. He has extensive experience in systems leadership and strategy. Since 2007, he has worked for and with First Nations people in the not-for-profit sector, building programs, developing strategy, sourcing funding, collaborating with partners and shaping thought leadership within the university sector.

As a former professional athlete, Ben understands the power of teamwork and believes in leading from within the team, nurturing a sense of circular responsibility and accountability. He believes that we are lifelong learners and is passionate about early childhood education and the power of literacy.

This event is presented in partnership with the Indigenous Literacy Foundation.