Thirty-two years ago, the Torres Strait Islander Flag was designed by the late Bernard Namok Senior in 1992. Mr Namok’s legacy is continued today by his son Bernard Namok Junior and his family.
I felt humbled to meet Bernard online so we could bring you this interview and I couldn’t help by share his excitement about the launch of his children’s picture book ‘Our Flag Our Story-The Torres Strait Islander Flag.’ This flag has always been an important representation of the cultural identity of the Torres Strait Islander peoples and the stunning design marks the story of country and people and sits beautifully next to the land rights flag of the black, red and gold.
Bernard Namok Junior has his own story to tell, a seasoned broadcaster and disability rights advocate and podcast producer, his family connections run deep throughout the Torres Strait Islands.
Bernard Namok Junior says it was a natural progression to move into writing a children’s story book after producing the documentary ‘Carry the Flag in 2017’ and he is also gearing up to present the book at the Northern Territory Writers Festival at the end of June.
Bernard Namok Jnr says this children’s storybook makes him happy to honour his father’s legacy and he is excited about the next stage of his journey.
Our Flag- our Story the Torres Strait Islander Flag is available at Magabala Books. The book is co-authored by Thomas Mayo and beautifully illustrated by Tori-Jay Mordey and was launched at the Gab Titui Cultural Centre.
You can catch Bernard Namok Jnr at the Northern Territory Writers Festival for a book reading and Q&A with co-author Thomas Mayo.
Saturday, June 29th, Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory.
