The Aboriginal Flag and Tent EmbassyThe Aboriginal Flag and Tent EmbassyBy John and SophiaBy John and Sophia

Harold ThomasHarold Thomas

Designer of the Designer of the Aboriginal Flag.Aboriginal Flag.

Born in Alice Springs.Born in Alice Springs. Won a scholarship to Won a scholarship to

the South Australian the South Australian School of Art in 1965.School of Art in 1965.

First Aboriginal First Aboriginal graduate from an graduate from an Australian Art School.Australian Art School.

Colours of the FlagColours of the Flag

Black – Aboriginal people of Australia.Black – Aboriginal people of Australia. Red – red earth, red ochre used in ceremonies and Red – red earth, red ochre used in ceremonies and

Aboriginal peoples’ spiritual relation to the land.Aboriginal peoples’ spiritual relation to the land. Yellow – sun, giver and protector of lifeYellow – sun, giver and protector of life

History of the FlagHistory of the Flag

First flown at Victoria First flown at Victoria Square in Adelaide on Square in Adelaide on National Aborigines day National Aborigines day July 12th 1971.July 12th 1971.

Later used at the Tent Later used at the Tent Embassy in Canberra, Embassy in Canberra, 1972. 1972.

Proclaimed as an Proclaimed as an official ‘Flag of official ‘Flag of Australia’ in 1995.Australia’ in 1995.

When is the Aboriginal When is the Aboriginal Flag used?Flag used?

A symbol of unity and national identity for Aboriginal A symbol of unity and national identity for Aboriginal people.people.

Displayed permanently at Aboriginal centres throughout Displayed permanently at Aboriginal centres throughout Australia.Australia.

Flown during NAIDOC Week.Flown during NAIDOC Week.

The 1960’sThe 1960’s

The Aborigines became frustrated with the Australian Federal Government.

The Aboriginals were not treated as equal citizens.

Freedom Ride 1965

What: a tent erected on the lawn of the Old Parliament House.

Purpose: to protest against the treatment of Aboriginals and their human rights.

Many unsuccessful attempts by police to remove tent; repelled by Aboriginals and Australians

Charles Perkins negotiated with the Minister of the ACT for the tent’s removal in February 1975. The Tent

Embassy was re-erected in January 1992.

It stands today as a historical landmark of Australia

A second Tent Embassy was made at the 2000 Sydney Olympics

BibliographyBibliography Aboriginal flag, http://www.aiatsis.gov.au/fastfacts/AboriginalFlag.html Aboriginal Tent Embassy,

http://www.indigenousaustralia.info/land/land-rights/aboriginal-tent-embassy.html ABORIGINAL TENT EMBASSY – CANBERRA,

www.australianexplorer.com/canberra_aboriginal_tent_embassy.htm Australian Aboriginal Flag, http://www.indexoz.com/flag/aboriginal-flag.htm Barlow, A. & Hill, M. 2000, Barlow, A. & Hill, M. 2000, Australia’s Aboriginal PeopleAustralia’s Aboriginal People, Macmillan Education, South Yarra, , Macmillan Education, South Yarra,

VIC, Australia. VIC, Australia. Flag History – Other Australian Flags – Aboriginal Flag, Flag History – Other Australian Flags – Aboriginal Flag,

http://www.flagaustnat.asn.au/aboriginalflag.php http://www.flagaustnat.asn.au/aboriginalflag.php History Of The Aboriginal Flag, http://www.indigenousaustralia.info/culture/the-flag.html It’s an Honour – Symbols – Other Australian Flags,

http://www.itsanhonour.gov.au/symbols/otherflag.cfm NAIDOC, http://www.naidoc.org.au/NAIDOC-about/aboriginalFlag.aspx Sydney 2000 Hemp Olympix,

http://www.nimbinaustralia.com/lisa/yeates/sydneyhempolympix.htm