Photo: Elliot Elliot
During a grand evening at the Stockholm Concert Hall, on June 4, we celebrated the 2024 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award Laureate – Indigenous Literacy Foundation. The award was presented by H.R.H. Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden.
Apart from the prize sum of 5 million SEK, Indigenous Literacy Foundation received a diploma, presented by H.R.H. Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden. This year’s diploma is painted by the Sami artist Britta Marakatt-Labba and hand texted by Helena Öhman.
− We do talk about a fundamental human right of every child is learning to read and write, and that is needing to be extended to Indigenous languages. What we need to understand is the loss of any of these languages means that we lose insight, we lose culture, we lose people, we lose identity, and bound in all that is most of the solutions that we need for the future, said Ben Bowen, CEO, in his acceptance speech.
The award was presented by HRH Victoria, The Crown Princess of Sweden. Accepting the award on behalf of Indigenous Literacy Foundation were Ben Bowen, CEO, Natalie Ahmat, Co-Chair, and Suzy Wilson, Founder.
Photo: Elliot Elliot
The compere for the evening was screenwriter, director and actress Marie Agerhäll.
Photo: Elliot Elliot
In her welcome speech, Director General of the Swedish Arts Council, Kajsa Ravin, talked about the importance of keeping languages alive: "The loss of a language is something that stays with you, your whole life. But thankfully, attitudes can change, and that is why the work done by the Indigenous Literacy Foundation is so, so important. To have access to your own language is essential for every child, and to be able to read books in the language of your choice is the right of every child."
Photo: Elliot Elliot
Folk musician Sara Parkman provided the musical entertainment.
Photo: Elliot Elliot
In her congratulatory speech, Swedish Minister for Culture, Parisa Liljestrand said: "The Indigenous Literacy Foundations’ innovative and creative activities serve as a beacon of inspiration – and indeed, of hope. Everyone, regardless of background and individual circumstances, must be given the opportunity to develop good reading skills and to have access to high-quality literature."
Photo: Elliot Elliot
Jury Chair, Boel Westin, held a speech in honor of the laureate: "The importance of all people´s languages and stories is essential for Indigenous Literacy Foundations shining work among First Nation peoples in Australia, based on reading, storytelling and creativity. Your innovative activities – founded on respect, collaboration and sensitivity – are an inspiration for reading promotion work around the world."
Photo: Elliot Elliot
"We do talk about a fundamental human right of every child is learning to read and write, and that is needing to be extended to Indigenous languages. What we need to understand is the loss of any of these languages means that we lose insight, we lose culture, we lose people, we lose identity, and bound in all that is most of the solutions that we need for the future, said Ben Bowen", CEO, in his acceptance speech.
Photo: Elliot Elliot
Apart from the prize sum of 5 million SEK, Indigenous Literacy Foundation received a diploma, presented by H.R.H. Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden. This year’s diploma is painted by the Sami artist Britta Marakatt-Labba and hand texted by Helena Öhman.
Photo: Elliot Elliot
