Official launch of the 2019 International Year of Indigenous Languages

The 2019 International Year of Indigenous Languages was officially launched in Paris today (Monday, 28 January 2019 – 3:00pm )

The United Nations General Assembly has proclaimed 2019 as the International Year of Indigenous Languages in order to raise global attention on the critical risks confronting indigenous language and its significance for sustainable development, reconciliation, good governance and peace building.

Drawing on years of experience collaborating with indigenous groups in the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, our CEO Steven Renata welcomed the global attention and the focus on self-determination: 

“With many indigenous languages critically endangered, this new forum is crucial. Fortunately it comes at a time when technology is opening up exciting new opportunities for indigenous groups, with immersive  technology allowing them to communicate indigenous perspectives in unique new ways.”

Kiwa Digital CEO Steven Renata

To support the aspirations of the Year, we are introducing a new technology programme, the Indigenous Media Toolkit, to boost indigenous media development globally.

The technology programme will help indigenous groups establish Technology Hubs where they can develop capability to publish their own stories in their own voices. We will support set-up, training, licensing, asset curation and capability development.

The first international project is underway at Wangka Maya Pilbara Aboriginal Languages Centre in Western Australia, with the support of an Australian Government Federal Grant. It is aligned with the UN’s goals to make concrete improvement in the lives of indigenous peoples by strengthening the capacities of indigenous language speakers and relevant indigenous peoples’ organizations.

Kiwa Digital is the first in the world to offer this specialised product for indigenous organizations.