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ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ flags fly spirit of reconciliation

The Aboriginal flag.
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The Torres Strait Islander flag.
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Friday, 29 May 2009

The ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide will hold its annual event for staff and students at the North Terrace Campus today (Friday 29 May) to celebrate , with a special flag-raising ceremony and barbecue.

As part of its commitment to national reconciliation, the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ has constructed three flagpoles between Bonython Hall and the Ligertwood Building, overlooking North Terrace and Pulteney Street.

From midday today, the , and flags will be flown in this prominent location as a symbol of reconciliation.

A number of key people will take part in the flag raising, including:

• Professor Lowitja O'Donoghue AC CBE, Aboriginal leader;
  
• Uncle Lewis O'Brien, Kaurna leader;
  
• Professor James McWha, Vice-Chancellor and President of the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide;
  
• the Hon. John von Doussa QC, Chancellor;
  
• Professor Roger Thomas, Director of the Centre for ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥n Indigenous Research & Studies;
  
• Jardine Kiwat, 2002 NAIDOC South ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥n Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander of the Year, and former ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ staff member;
  
• Richard Bosworth, a member of the Stolen Generations, and the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥'s first Aboriginal PhD student in Science.

"The ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide is committed to reconciliation, and to the principles of diversity, equity and social justice," Professor McWha says.

"Flying the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags along with the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥n flag symbolises our commitment, and an acknowledgement of a shared future for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people.

"Events such as this help to remind us all that reconciliation is ongoing, that it requires a commitment from everyone, and that it should be a visible part of our community. Accordingly, we have invited all staff and students to attend the event, which includes a free barbecue lunch at the conclusion of the ceremony."

Professor Thomas says the Aboriginal flag has a special link with the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide.

"The flag's designer, - a Luritja man originally from Central ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ - studied social anthropology at the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide. This was after his formal training at the South ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥n School of Art," Professor Thomas says.

"Last year's has given impetus to the process of reconciliation in ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥. More recently, the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥n Government has endorsed the . Today's event at the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ reaffirms the importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and culture to the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ community," Professor Thomas says.

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