The 2021 $2 Indigenous Military Service coin was released by the Royal Australian Mint to commemorate the longstanding tradition of Indigenous Australians serving in the Australian military. The coin's design, based on Kalkadoon artist Chern'ee Sutton's painting "Indigenous Military Service," aims to acknowledge and celebrate the sacrifices and contributions of Indigenous Australians who have served in various conflicts and deployments.
Purpose:
The coin aims to increase awareness about the significant contributions of Indigenous Australians to Australia's military history, a story that has often been overlooked or marginalized.
Honouring Sacrifice:
It recognizes and honours the sacrifices made by Indigenous service members, both past and present.
Celebrating Tradition:
The coin celebrates Indigenous Australia's proud tradition of serving in the military, dating back to the Boer War and continuing through various conflicts and deployments.
Design:
The coin's reverse design is based on Chern'ee Sutton's painting, "Indigenous Military Service," which features a symbolic representation of Indigenous service members.
Significance:
The coin helps to correct a historical oversight by bringing the stories of Indigenous service members into the mainstream narrative of Australian military history.
Cultural Acknowledgment:
The coin acknowledges and celebrates the enduring connection between Indigenous Australians and the Australian military.
