NAATI pays respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the traditional custodians of this land and speakers of its first languages. In the spirit of reconciliation, NAATI acknowledges the richness that Indigenous, signed and all languages bring to Australia and the role interpreters and translators play in connecting us all.
NAATI recognises that Australia has been multicultural and multilingual since people first inhabited the land. We acknowledge that policies and injustices since colonisation have led to the endangerment of this land’s first languages, with many now dormant. NAATI believes that supporting and strengthening Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages is an important aspect of moving towards a reconciled Australia.
Having strong interpreters available is a key aspect of upholding the right of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to communicate in their languages. Part of NAATI’s mission is to enable a supply of certified translators and interpreters responsive to the changing needs and demography of Australia’s culturally and linguistically diverse society. We enable this for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through our Indigenous Interpreting Project. The project delivers targeted support to aspiring and practising interpreters in Indigenous communities across Australia to become certified and join a national group of language professionals.
As of 31 May 2026, there were 105 interpreters certified in 24 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages.
NAATI’s vision is for a connected community without language barriers and reconciliation is a vital part of this. We are proud to be continuing our reconciliation journey with our first Innovate RAP commencing in 2026; The foundations built during our Reflect RAP since 2021 have given us a great starting point for this next step. NAATI will continue to work alongside stakeholders to strengthen and promote Indigenous interpreting. We are committed to promoting reconciliation with our wide network of practitioners and partners in the language services sector. NAATI recognises that there is a long path to language access parity and NAATI commits to ongoing pursuit of the right to language for all.
About the artwork
In July 2025, NAATI commissioned the artwork proudly displayed on our Innovate RAP by Anmatyerre artist Curtis Haines.
The artwork is titled “Message Carriers” and shows interpreters and translators from all walks of life united by their shared role as message carriers and keepers of language. Elders and those with many languages walk beside emerging voices, symbolising the intergenerational transmission of knowledge and the unfolding journey of each language worker.
Lines surrounding them suggest the continuous, ongoing flow of professional learning and NAATI certification. The background represents the deep pride felt by those who inhabit this space – a reverence for the work they do and the sacred role they play as bridges between worlds.
This painting is about the profound responsibility and quiet honour of carrying messages and holding language with care.
