To mark the anniversary of the Aboriginal flag being flown for the first time and as Australians celebrate 50 years of NAIDOC Week, the Albanese Government has proudly launched a new Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flags education portal.
The portal is a place to learn more about the meaning, history and significance of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags which represent the world’s oldest continuing cultures.
The Aboriginal flag was designed by Luritja artist Mr Harold Thomas and was first raised on this day in 1971.
The Torres Strait Islander Flag was designed in 1992 by the late Mr Bernard Namok of Thursday Island.
In 1995, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags were proclaimed official flags of Australia by the Keating Labor Government, under the Flags Act 1953.
The education portal is a resource for schools and anyone wanting to deepen their understanding of the importance of our First Nations flags.
To find out more, visit Moments of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flags | Indigenous
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy:
“The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags are a source of immense pride for First Nations people. They are powerful visual representations of connections to family, community and our cultures and languages.
“Since chairing the Senate Select Committee on the Aboriginal flag in 2020, I have been dedicated to ensuring the dignity and integrity of our First Nations flags.
“As we celebrate 50 years of NAIDOC Week, we also celebrate the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags which symbolise the world’s oldest continuing cultures.”