Breadcrumb Links:

Australian Aboriginal Flag

                                                        Flag                                                      

 

The Aboriginal flag was recognised under Federal legislation in July 1995. The Aboriginal flag was first displayed on 12th July 1971, National Aborigines' Day, at Victoria Square in Adelaide. It was also used at the 'Tent Embassy' in Canberra in 1972.

Designed by Indigenous Elder Harold Thomas in 1971, this flag symbolises Aboriginal identity. Yellow represents the sun (giver of life) and yellow ochre. Red represents the red earth (the relationship to the land) and the red ochre used in ceremonies. Black represents the Aboriginal people.

Mr Thomas has been recognised as the designer of the Aboriginal Flag by the Federal Court and has been given a backdated copyright to the design to 1971.