KZ: Hi Penelope! How did you become an Indigenous Literacy Foundation Youth Ambassador?

P: I’ve spoken quite a bit in the media about the importance of First Nations Languages and culture being taught in all schools by First Nations people, which is very dhirrangal (that means ‘important’ in the Wiradjuri language). Last year I worked on a short film, The Land We’re On With Penelope Towney. I spent a very long time practising, and recited every single word by heart. It has been shared on three different television stations and on online and since then I’ve appeared in magazines, newspapers, national radio and podcasts.

KZ: What have you done so far as an ILF Youth Ambassador?

P: So far, I’ve hosted a Great Book Swap at my school, which was a lot of fun and a gabun way to raise money for the ILF. My friends, teacher, Mum and I hosted the event and we swapped and sold many books. I’ve been encouraging others both young and old to do the same and have even spoken up in the media about it.

KZ: Is there anything else you would like to say to K-Zoners?

P: In my answers, I have been sharing Wiradjuri language with you. The Wiradjuri Nation is the second largest Aboriginal Nation in the continent, located in western NSW. As an eight year old dyiramadilinya Wiradjuri and Palawa kid, I’d love to share palawa kani with you too. Palawa Country is down south in lutruwita/Tasmania. In palawa kani, 'nayri' means ‘good’. It’s nayri to be in K-Zone; I’ve been reading K-Zone for as long as I could read. The palawa kani word 'nina' means ‘you’, and 'mina' is ‘me’ or ‘I’. Mina wish for nina to learn with respect about the First Nations Country where you live and the people whose land it is. Nina might even learn some local language! That would be nayri! Finally, I’d like to share the palawa kani phrase, lakapawa nina, which means, ‘see you’ and nayri nina-tu, which is ‘good to you’ or ‘thank you’!

Want more information about the Indigenous Literacy Foundation? You can visit www.indigenousliteracyfoundation.org.au!

Want to read more of our interview with Penelope? Grab the October 2022 'Shred Into Action' issue, out now!

Excited to start your language journey? Take a look at our fun Hello Guide and Extended Guide!