Indigenous

The distinctive colours of the Aboriginal flag have flown as a symbol of unity and identity for Aboriginal Australians since the 1970s. The colours black (symbolising the Aboriginal people), red (the earth and spiritual connection to the land) and yellow (the sun, giver of life) are prominent in the museum’s badge collection. The predominant theme is the struggle for Aboriginal land rights, with badges worn at protests at major events such as the 1982 Commonwealth Games in Brisbane, and celebrating milestones such as the recognition of native title in the 1993 Mabo decision. Other badges support reconciliation and advocate the constitutional recognition of Indigenous Australians.