What are the 5 Torres Strait island groups?
The Torres Strait is divided into five major island clusters, the Top Western Group (Boigu, Dauan and Saibai), the Near Western Group (Badu, Mabuiag and Moa), the Central Group (Yam, Warraber, Coconut and Masig), the Eastern Group (Murray, Darnley and Stephen), and the TI Group (Thursday, Horn, Hammond, Prince of Wales …
Are Torres Strait Islanders from PNG?
The islands’ indigenous inhabitants are the Torres Strait Islanders, one of two ethnically distinct groups of Indigenous Australian peoples. Torres Strait Islanders are distinct from both the Papuans of adjoining New Guinea and from Aboriginal Australian peoples of the nearby Australian mainland, but related to both.
How many regions are there in the Torres Strait?
Torres Strait communities The Torres Strait consists of eighteen island and two Northern Peninsula Area communities.
Does Australia own the Torres Strait Islands?
The Torres Strait Islands were annexed in 1879 by Queensland, becoming part of the British colony of Queensland. After 1901, the Islands became part of the Australian State of Queensland, despite some islands positioned off the New Guinea coast.
What are the 3 main languages spoken in the Torres Strait Islands?
In the Torres Strait three main languages are spoken:
- Kala Lagaw Ya is spoken on the western islands of Mabuiag and Badu.
- Meriam Mir is spoken throughout the eastern islands of Erub (Darnley Island), Ugar (Stephen Island) and Mer (Murray Island).
Are Torres Strait Islanders indigenous?
Torres Strait Islanders are of Melanesian origin with their own distinct identity, history and cultural traditions. Many Torres Strait Islanders live on mainland Australia. The term ‘Indigenous’ is used to refer to both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
How do Torres Strait Islanders live?
Traditionally, the Torres Strait Islander peoples are seafarers who have relied on fishing and trade with other islands and villages along the south coast of Papua New Guinea. The economy of the Torres Strait Islander peoples is founded on the traditional practices of fishing and cultivating private gardens.
What do the Colours on the Torres Strait flag mean?
The green stripes represent the land, the black stripes represent the people, and the blue the sea. Adopted in 1992, the flag design was the winning entry in a competition run by the Island Coordinating Council, a Queensland statutory body representing the community councils in the Torres Strait.
What does Bala mean in Torres Strait?
Brother
Patrick Mills on Twitter: “So the Torres Strait language brings a word that you guys are already familiar with. “Bala” meaning “Brother” #MaboDay” / Twitter.
What is the Torres Strait regional authority?
The Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) is an Australian Government Statutory Authority established on July 1 1994 under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission Act 1989, which is today known as the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) Act 2005. The TSRA has the responsibility to:
What is the role of the TSRA?
The TSRA has the responsibility to: Formulate, coordinate and implement programs for Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people living within the region; Advise the Minister for Indigenous Affairs on matters relating to Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal Affairs in the Torres Strait;
Where is Torres Strait?
Torres Strait consists of at least 274 small islands which lie in a strait between Australia and PNG. To the south is Cape York Peninsula and t the north is the Western Province of Papua New Guinea. Torres Shire Council offers a range of opportunities in full-time, part-time and casual employment and is an equal opportunity employer.
What is the role of the Torres Strait Islander council?
Enhances the region’s wealth by managing an economically and environmentally sustainable fishing industry. Works with communities to protect, promote revitalise and maintain Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal traditions and cultural heritage. Native Title Act 1993 (Cth).