Tusass Greenland chose in 2023 to start the stamp series Everyday heroes in Greenland to honour the people who, through their efforts and courage, en- gender greater pride in Greenland. Traditionally, living persons have only been depicted on stamps if they were a part of the royal family. However, in this series Tusass is following a more recent international trend of recognising citizens who, through their exceptional contributions to the community, have made a signif- icant difference. Consequently, this series marks a shift towards a more popular approach to celebrating Greenland’s identity and community. In this third part of the series we pay tribute to two formidable women.
Aviâja Egede Lynge
Aviâja Egede Lynge was born in 1974 in Qullissat on Disko Island. For several years she has been a powerful voice for the youngest in society. She holds a master’s degree in social anthropology from the University of Edinburgh. From 2006, she headed the department of higher education at Ilisimatusarfik, University of Greenland, where she developed teacher training modules with an emphasis on culture, identity and indigenous rights.
As a researcher, she has also focused on how his- torical and social conditions influence the everyday lives of children in Greenland. Her work has not only helped to create a broader understanding of the challenges children face but, also their attributes and potential. In her work as Greenland’s spokesperson for children over the past decade she has worked closely with children, families, authorities and organisations to advance the rights of children and ensure that their voices were heard in decision-making processes.
In 2015 she participated in Columbia University’s Human Rights Advocates Program and later became a member of the International Indigenous Women’s Forum. In 2022 she received the UNICEF Denmark Award for her work. She was awarded the Ebbe Aviâja Egede Lynges. Photo: Danske Taler. Munck’s Honorary Award in 2023 for her efforts on behalf of vulnerable children and young people.
