Pertame Language Nest

The Pertame School is a community-led language revival initiative that empowers Elders to pass their language and cultural knowledge to the next generation through immersive, intergenerational learning. At the heart of this effort is the Pertame Language Nest, an all-Pertame early childhood program where infants and parents are immersed in the language and culture, guided by fluent Elders and educators, to raise children as first-language speakers. The Nest creates a space where Pertame is the only language spoken, supporting deep cultural connection and lifelong language fluency from the earliest years.

The generous SPIRIT funding that has been shared with us by the Batchelor Institute has ensured that two major full-time coordinator positions are funded at the Pertame School. The long term and flexible nature of the funding allowed us to use it in ways that support employment and long-term strength building.

For us, SPIRIT is about connection - to culture, to community, and to each other. It’s about keeping traditions alive, sharing knowledge across generations, and inspiring our children to grow strong in who they are. SPIRIT is the love, resilience and joy we carry together across nations.