Australia's reconciliation process with its Aboriginal community takes another step forwards with NSW deciding to fly indigenous flags permanently
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After more than two centuries of appalling neglect Australia is trying to make amends for
its treatment of the country’s original inhabitants, the Aborigines.
‘Bush Plum Leaves’ 151 × 92 cm. 2016
Gracie Morton Pwerle #aboriginal #art #painting #Australia #artwork #poparthttps://t.co/kSneHH2OSv pic.twitter.com/WNjFD5HDK7— AAA Gallery (@aaa_gallery) 27 juin 2017
The latest gesture towards reconciliation involves official recognition of the Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islands flags in New South Wales. From now on they will fly alongside the state and national flags
in the capital, Sydney.
Last days Anna Petyarre, Rivers of the Desert #Indigenous #artist https://t.co/0ZQTrF6NVU #Aboriginal #art pic.twitter.com/TVgA3AMguP
— JapingkaAboriginalAG (@JapingkaGallery) 25 juin 2017
“These flags representing the oldest living cultures in the world will now fly proudly alongside our
national and state flags. This I think is a significant and an emotional moment,” said New South
Wales Governor David Hurley.
Meet Gerry Turpin, who is saving ancient Indigenous knowledge from being lost forever https://t.co/cUgaPTZJM0
— Indigenous Australia (@IndigenousAU) 12 juin 2016
There remains a long way to go, however. The Aboriginal community struggles with unemployment,
alcohol and drug abuse, poor housing and education, and abiding racial prejudice.
The efforts at reconciliation have at times been clumsy, as this latest attempt to include Aboriginal themes into the education system shows.
The aboriginal people of Australia were categorised as animals by the British invader in an attempt to wipe them out. pic.twitter.com/MjzALXjkgL
— Crimes of Britain (@crimesofbrits) 23 juillet 2015