Aboriginal flag

An important symbol for Aboriginal people in Australia is the Aboriginal flag.

For Aboriginal people the flag represents cultural resilience, affirmation and identity.

The Aboriginal Flag is divided horizontally into equal halves of black (top) and red (bottom) with a yellow circle in the centre.

The Black symbolises Aboriginal people and the yellow represents the sun, the constant giver of life. Red depicts the earth and also represents ochre, which is used by Aboriginal people in ceremonies.

The flag was designed by Harold Thomas and was first flown at Victoria Square, Adelaide, on National Aborigines’ Day on 12th July 1971. It was used later at the Tent Embassy in Canberra in 1972.