New program targets oral health and language revival in APY Lands
A new art-driven pilot program by the University of ÐÂÀ˲ÊƱ’s Mobile Language Team (MLT) is helping improve oral hygiene among Anangu (Aboriginal) children in remote communities while strengthening the Yankunytjatjara language on the APY Lands.
Launched in 2025, the ‘Closing the Gap through Oral Hygiene and Language in Remote Australia’ initiative focuses on Iwantja and Mimili Yankunytjatjara communities on the APY Lands, raising awareness about preventative dental care while preserving the Yankunytjatjara language.
The project — nicknamed Katiti Wiru, meaning Healthy Teeth in Yankunytjatjara — embeds oral health education into everyday life using local language and knowledge systems through community-based workshops and culturally relevant resources.
Artwork by renowned Iwantja artist, Kunmaṉara (Tiger) Yaltangki, features prominently in the campaign, appearing on posters, t-sh