Internship Opportunity

July 2020 update: Due to COVID-19 restrictions and travel limitations, this offer applies to current residents of Western Australia only.

Mirima Dawang Woorlab-gerring Language and Culture Centre (MDWg) is an Aboriginal organisation seeking to preserve and revitalise the Miriwoong language of the East Kimberley region of Western Australia. Our language revitalisation initiatives include a wide range of activities, including a language education program for children, resource development, provision of Miriwoong language classes, and development of bilingual radio broadcasts. For the second half of 2020, we are
offering successful applicants an opportunity to get to know MDWg language revitalisation activities.

Applicants are encouraged to select from the following options in terms of timing:

1. Standard internship, for 10 weeks, starting either in July/August or September/October 2020
2. Special internship, from July/August to December 2020 (5-6 months; a 12 month option is negotiable)
   Variations with regard to the start dates may be negotiable but 10 weeks is usually the minimum length our internships.
   
   Successful candidates will have the opportunity to get to know the various aspects of our language revitalisation program. This may include engaging with our team of Miriwoong language support officers, as well as supporting different forms of training, such as lesson planning, resource development, or radio broadcasts. We also manage an early childhood language learning program (Miriwoong Language Nest). The focus of engagement in different areas will negotiated with successful candidates.
   
   While MDWg is not in a position to pay any compensation, we have limited funds to subsidise the costs for accommodation (details upon request). All interns are engaged as volunteers and their involvement does not constitute employment on any salary of wage. What we can offer is an unforgettable experience working with the local Miriwoong community, hands-on knowledge about the issues of language revitalisation and some skills related to the work of a linguist or educator in the Indigenous sector. For students currently enrolled at a university, a part-time engagement may be negotiable.
   
   All internships require a valid WA Working with Children Check and National Police Clearance. MDWg is prepared to reimburse the cost for these applications.
   
   Applicants should have a background in languages, linguistics, education, Indigenous studies, or related fields, be open to working in a diverse cultural environment, and probably have some sense of adventure, including a tolerance to Kimberley temperatures.
   
   In order to apply, please send us a brief expression of interest first, indicating your preferences for type and time of internship. We will then respond with a detailed description. A simple selection process applies. While there is no deadline, we will start reviewing applications immediately and reserve the right to appoint a suitable candidate at our discretion.
   
   Contact:
   Please e-mail your expression of interest to Knut J. Olawsky, manager@mirima.org.au
   
   We look forward to hearing from you.