Vanuatu’s linguistic diversity is intricately linked to a centuries-old traditional land governance system that underlays the fabric of society. The oft-quoted “My Land, My Life” is equally, “Our Language, our land and our future.” This paper presents the decade-long effort of the Erromango Cultural Association (ECA) to preserve and promote
linguistic heritage in support of traditional governance systems. It explores how the development of children’s books in the vernacular, as well as adult literacy books targeting the vernacular capability to recite the tempor, or traditional land chants, have enhanced contemporary cultural practice. Closely linked to these initiatives was a community-led, applied heritage program linking language and traditional art forms to both safeguard traditional knowledge and underpin cultural survival. This paper shares insights from this decade-long effort with, by and for Erromangans.