Torres Strait Islander Culture / Torres Strait Islander Flag Meanings
Torres Strait Islander Flag Meanings
Children make a paper collage of the Torres Strait Islander flag while learning what each colour and symbol stands for, from the white dhari to the five-pointed star.
How to run it
- Show the flag using an official source such as the Torres Strait Regional Authority or AIATSIS.
- Explain the meanings: green for the land, blue for the sea, black for the people, the white dhari (headdress) as a symbol of Torres Strait Islanders, and the five-pointed star for the five major island groups, peace and navigation by stars.
- Share that it was adopted in 1992 and became an official Flag of Australia in 1995.
- Children build the flag from torn or cut paper, then label each part with its meaning.
You will need
- green, blue, black and white paper
- glue sticks
- child-safe scissors
- printed flag from an official source
- pencils
Make it easier or harderYounger children glue pre-cut shapes; older children research and write about the five island groups.
SafetyReproduce the flag accurately and respectfully, and do not alter its design or use it as a costume.
My Time Our Place · Outcome 2, Outcome 5Children learn the meaning of an official Australian flag and the cultural symbols of Torres Strait Islander peoples.
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