50th Anniversary of the Aboriginal Flag

Media Release

Minister for Indigenous Australians, The Hon Ken Wyatt AM MP

Today marks the 50^th anniversary of the Aboriginal Flag first being raised in 1971 at a land rights rally in Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga, Adelaide, on then-National Aborigines Day.

Over the last half-century, it has grown in prominence and stands as an enduring symbol of Aboriginal strength, representing Aboriginal people and their ongoing spiritual connection to the land.

Harold Thomas, a Luritja man from central Australia, gave all Australians a gift with his powerful design that helped Aboriginal Australians unite under a single flag.

From flying over the Aboriginal tent embassy in Canberra; to Cathy Freeman wrapping herself in it after her win at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and being carried at countless marches for Aboriginal rights, the flag has become inextricably linked with our history and the colours and design have become iconic.