Flag the Gap - Adding the Aboriginal Flag to the Unicode standard!


Flag the Gap - Adding the Aboriginal Flag to the Unicode standard!
The issue
The absence of the Aboriginal flag in our emoji collections isn't a mere oversight; it's a confluence of history, politics, and technology. Historically, Indigenous communities have often found themselves on the peripheries of larger narratives, and this extended to their symbols, like the Aboriginal flag. Legal complications further muddied the waters; for a long time, the flag had copyright protections. However, with its copyright status changed in January 2022, given to the Commonwealth of Australia, the door has opened for a fresh conversation.
On the technological front, the way we see and use emojis is orchestrated by the Unicode Consortium. They've got a systematic approach, particularly for flags, relying primarily on ISO country codes. The Aboriginal flag, representing rich culture and history rather than an 'official' nation in the traditional sense, doesn't neatly fit within these parameters. Also, the emoji representing Australia is intricately tied with its ISO country code and, indirectly, the English language. This also excludes the multifaceted languages of the Aboriginal communities.
But why should we push for the inclusion of the Aboriginal flag? Firstly, it's a symbol of recognition on the global digital stage for Indigenous Australians. Beyond politics, the flag holds stories, heritage, and the diverse history of Australia's First Nations people. In our modern era, which champions diversity and inclusivity, embracing the Aboriginal flag in our digital communications becomes even more relevant.
There are potential pathways forward. One approach could be to introduce the Aboriginal flag not strictly as a 'flag' but as a symbol emblematic of Indigenous Australia within the digital space. Alternatively, we could rally for the Unicode Consortium to reevaluate its criteria, allowing for the recognition of culturally significant flags beyond the constraints of national delineations.
The next steps are clear: create a compelling proposal that underscores the flag's importance, gain widespread support both online and offline, and engage directly with the Unicode Consortium, presenting a unified call for inclusion.
57
The issue
The absence of the Aboriginal flag in our emoji collections isn't a mere oversight; it's a confluence of history, politics, and technology. Historically, Indigenous communities have often found themselves on the peripheries of larger narratives, and this extended to their symbols, like the Aboriginal flag. Legal complications further muddied the waters; for a long time, the flag had copyright protections. However, with its copyright status changed in January 2022, given to the Commonwealth of Australia, the door has opened for a fresh conversation.
On the technological front, the way we see and use emojis is orchestrated by the Unicode Consortium. They've got a systematic approach, particularly for flags, relying primarily on ISO country codes. The Aboriginal flag, representing rich culture and history rather than an 'official' nation in the traditional sense, doesn't neatly fit within these parameters. Also, the emoji representing Australia is intricately tied with its ISO country code and, indirectly, the English language. This also excludes the multifaceted languages of the Aboriginal communities.
But why should we push for the inclusion of the Aboriginal flag? Firstly, it's a symbol of recognition on the global digital stage for Indigenous Australians. Beyond politics, the flag holds stories, heritage, and the diverse history of Australia's First Nations people. In our modern era, which champions diversity and inclusivity, embracing the Aboriginal flag in our digital communications becomes even more relevant.
There are potential pathways forward. One approach could be to introduce the Aboriginal flag not strictly as a 'flag' but as a symbol emblematic of Indigenous Australia within the digital space. Alternatively, we could rally for the Unicode Consortium to reevaluate its criteria, allowing for the recognition of culturally significant flags beyond the constraints of national delineations.
The next steps are clear: create a compelling proposal that underscores the flag's importance, gain widespread support both online and offline, and engage directly with the Unicode Consortium, presenting a unified call for inclusion.
57
Petition created on 12 October 2023