First Languages is a Yarn Raise collection in support of the Australian Literacy & Numeracy Foundation (ALNF) and their programs that contribute to the revival, maintenance and revitalisation of Indigenous First Languages.

Inspired by ALNF’s Literacy is Freedom slogan, we asked some of our collaborating artists to tell us in their language what literacy means to them. Each Tee features their design, the language group and a translation to English. Putting these words out into the world is a way to honour and respect the First Languages of our country, and to honour and respect the power of literacy in all languages.

Chosen by Sheri Skele, Budabai means ‘Strong’ in the Bidjara Language:
“I would like the Bidjara language to become stronger. So that's where I chose this word. The design that I came up with that's inserted within the word Budabai, it's got community and people in there, I've got some shrubs and things in there that to me represent revitalisation, regrowth, rebirth.”

For each product sold from the First Languages collection, Yarn will donate $2 to ALNF to support their work with First Languages and literacy. 


Product: Unisex T-Shirt
Colour: Black
Materials: 100% Cotton
Washing: Cold machine wash with similar colours
Artwork: Budabai ‘Strong’
Artist: