Australia Post has released a commemorative $1 stamp to celebrate the 2019 International Year of Indigenous Languages (IY2019).
Australia Post has released a commemorative $1 stamp to celebrate the 2019 International Year of Indigenous Languages (IY2019).
The colourful stamp incorporates the United Nation's official IY2019 logo.
Australia Post liaised with our Department and the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) to develop the stamp, designed by Sharon Rodziewicz of the Australia Post Design Studio.
The Australia Post IY2019 issue includes:
- the stamp-available as a sheetlet of 10
- a sheetlet pack
- a maxicard (which can be used as a postcard)
- a first day cover envelope
- a postal numismatic cover (stamp and coin cover).
The map on the front of the sheetlet pack identifies the regions associated with Australia's Indigenous languages as recorded in AUSTLANG, the Australian Indigenous languages database developed and maintained by AIATSIS.
IY2019 is an opportunity to highlight and encourage the important work being done to preserve and promote Indigenous languages, including in Australia.
'This year presents a great opportunity to have a national discussion about the role Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures play in shaping the nation and informing our identity,' AIATSIS CEO Craig Ritchie said.
'More than 250 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages were spoken at the time of European settlement in 1788. Today only 13 of these languages are acquired as first language by the youngest generation-a crucial element for language maintenance.'
The IY2019 stamp issue is available from 30 April 2019 online at participating Post Offices and via mail order on 1800 331 794.
