Indigenous Literacy Foundation accepts the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award 2024
The Australian organisation Indigenous Literacy Foundation received the world’s largest literature award for children’s and young adult literature, the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, at a ceremony in the Stockholm Concert Hall on Tuesday, June 4. The award was presented by H.R.H. Crown Princess Victoria.
− We believe in the fundamental human right that is learning to read and write and that right should extend to Indigenous languages. If we lose these languages the cost is incomprehensible through the loss of culture, identity, wisdom, knowledges and expertise we all require to build tomorrow's world, said Ben Bowen, CEO, in his acceptance speech.
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. The compere for the evening was screenwriter, director and actress Marie Agerhäll and folk musicians Sara Parkman provided the musical entertainment.
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.
The jury’s motivation
“With curiosity and respect, Indigenous Literacy Foundation works with reading and storytelling among First Nations children in Australia. In close collaboration with Communities, they highlight the value of all people’s own languages and stories. By spreading books and stimulating reading, storytelling and creativity, Indigenous Literacy Foundation builds the desire to read and fosters pride, self-confidence and a sense of belonging. Every child has the right to their language and their stories.
About the Indigenous Literacy Foundation
The Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) encourages reading and promotes literacy by securing access to good literature for First Nations children of Australia. The organisation works in 427 First Nations Communities all over the Australian continent. ILF emphasizes the importance of First Nations children finding themselves, their culture and their languages reflected in the books they read.
Find out more on alma.se/en
André Vifot Haas
Communications Officer
+46 (0)76-540 10 33
Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award
Kulturrådet, Box 27215, 102 53 Stockholm
The Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award was created in 2002 by the Swedish government to promote every child’s right to great stories. This global award is given annually to a person or organisation for their outstanding contribution to children’s and young adult literature. With a prize of five million Swedish kronor, it is the largest award of its kind. Administrated by the Swedish Arts Council.
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