ALWAYS HAS, ALWAYS WILL BE #RAISETHEFLAG!!!!!

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I would like to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the Australian land, waterways, and the skies and extend that respect to the elders past and present.

Ever since I was a little girl, I have been fascinated with Aboriginal culture and the spiritual dreamland tales that have been passed down from generations of first nation Australians. I would beg my Mum to take me to the library, where she would read me my favourite book “The Rainbow Serpent” countless times. I was fascinated with the beautiful bright coloured dotted art that covered every page of the book and the way the dream time stories connected its readers with the earth. I was so inspired by the artwork in “The Rainbow Serpent” that when I was at playgroup and every other kid was drawing fairies and racing cars, I was trying to paint my own version of the rainbow serpent using my fingertips to recreate the dots. Traditional Aboriginal influence still heavily bleeds into modern Australian society through Sport, Art, Music, and Tourism and plays a crucial role in defining Australia’s History and culture.

So why does the Australian government lack the motivation to represent the Indigenous flag on the land that always will be and always was aboriginal?

When the topic is raised there a few problems that the government is faced with…..

1. There are only two flagpole points on the summit of the Harbour bridge
2. The Australian Government continues to prioritise the national flag and the New South Wales state flag over the Indigenous flag, further demonstrating the inequality within the Australian community

In 1901 the national flag was first hoisted upon the Sydney Harbour Bridge in celebration of the referendum passing, enabling Australia to govern as a nation with all colonies to be governed separately. To this day, this unique flag represents for many Australians, the spirit and strength in which the nation was built on. It wasn’t until 1971 when the aboriginal flag was first hoisted upon the harbour bridge, in celebration of National Aborigines day. It wasn’t until 2013 where the two flags were raised simultaneously to commemorate the beginning of Australia day celebrations. The Indigenous flag was originally created by artist, Harold Thomas of Luritja country and has become a symbol of unity and identity for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. The black in the flag represents the people of the land, the yellow represents the sun; the giver of the people, red represents the earth.

Sadly, the Australian Aboriginal flag is only displayed for a total of 19 days a year. 😠😠😠

The Indigenous community deserve their flag to be hoisted and to be celebrated 365 days a year!

Actions speak louder than words!!!! #RAISETHEFLAG

The traditional custodians of this land deserve more than Kevin Rudd’s heartfelt apology on National Sorry day in 2008 and the systematic damage that occurred to the Indigenous community. Aboriginal Culture should be at the forefront of how we identify with our nation.

Click here for Kevin Rudd’s Sorry Speach

Australia still has a lot of work to do in terms of the systematic oppression that the Aboriginal and Torres strait community has faced since the colonisation of Australia. By allowing the Australian aboriginal flag to fly high above the city of Sydney, it would allow the community as a whole to show their respects for Indigenous culture, while further taking a small step towards equality and reconciliation. Proper Acknowledgement of the historical owners of Australia will lead to a brighter and fairer future for the entire Australian community.

Below is a link to the Change.org petition demanding the Aboriginal and Torres strait flag be flown 365 days of the year. This petition was started by Inner-West activist Cheree Toka and has a goal of 200,000 signatures. From us all doing a little thing, big things can grow!

#RAISETHEFLAG

SIGN THE PETITION HERE

In addition to signing this petition, it is important the Australian community act as allies for the Indigenous community. By being an ally, we can help dismantle stereotypes and provide support to individuals within the community.

WAYS YOU CAN BE AN ALLY TO THE INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY

1) Raise up voices of Indigenous community members. Listen, Share and Like the thoughts and opinions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders rather than voicing your own.

2) Be respectful and open to learning about Aboriginal culture.

3) Speak up when you hear someone saying something inappropriate or insulting of Aboriginal culture

4) Expand your knowledge! Read, watch, listen! immerse yourself in aboriginal creators or begin teaching children about aboriginal culture from a young age. Click Here!!

Linked below is a game called “My Grandmothers Lingo” you can play to learn the aboriginal dialect of Marra that is on the brink of extinction. Click here!!!

5) Support local indigenous artists, musician and writers. Below are some links to some of my favourite indigenous artists…..

Abie Loy Kemarre

Biddee Baadjo

6) Always Identify and acknowledge the traditional owners of the land in which you reside. If possible, specify the tribe or land you are referring to.