Torres Strait Island culture

There are two main traditional languages, which are Kala Lagaw Ya and Meriam Mir, in Torres Strait Islands. Kala Lagaw Ya spoken on the western and central Torres Strait had four dialects, but now, only two of those dialects remain which are Kala Lagaw Ya and Kala Kawaw Ya (Shnukal 1993, pp. 152, 154). People live in islands located to near Papua New Guinea, such as Boigu and Saibai, speak Kala Kawaw Ya while Kala Lagaw Ya is spoken on Babu and Mabuiag (Shnukal p. 154). Another traditional language, the eastern Meriam Mir is spoken by older Murray Island and another dialect is spoken by people of Erub and Ugar (Shnukal 1993, p. 155). These traditional language is really significant for the Islanders, because language related to culture and identity (ppt). Shnukal (1993, p. 152) stated: ‘The absence of a shared language suggests that there was little sustained contact between two groups [the western and the eastern islands].’ Indeed, Kala Lagaw Ya is very different from Meriam Mir, for instance, the word turtle is ‘warru’ in Kala Lagaw Ya and ‘nam’ in Meriam Mir. Therefore, differences of languages can help the Islanders to understand and identify where they are originally from and make strong connection to their home islands. Especially, Torres Strait Islander cultures are ‘traditionally oral culture’ (ppt), so their languages have always made their cultures, such as songs and…

segregation, injustice and his identity. Mabo’s determination and tenacity is also seen as he contests the claims of terra nullius and land ownership rights in the high court. The viewers of this film see firsthand the dehumanising, unfair, and degrading treatment which the Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander community was and subjected to. As Mabo overcomes oppression and racism, to attain the rights to which he and the rest of the aboriginal community was entitled, viewers see the…

images, voices and names of deceased Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Island people. Whilst attending school with two Aboriginal students in my class, I was never exposed to people stereotyping Aboriginal people. I lived in an inland rural area of New South Wales, and after finishing school I moved to Kununurra, a northern remote area in Western Australia. This was a place where my knowledge and understanding of the Aboriginal people their culture, history and identity was largely developed. I…

Torres Strait Islands are located between Australia and Papua New Guinea. There have been Torres Strait Islanders as one of the Australian Indigenous group. As another Australian Indigenous group, Aborigines, had been invaded and colonised their land, culture, and life from the eighteenth century, Torres Strait people also had similar, but different experiences through the history. For example, while Aboriginal people’s land settled by the British convicts from the 1788 of the First Fleet,…

safe and quality healthcare is a significant problem for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Therefore, by taking a person-centred approach will not only allow patients to be directly involved in their care, but also take into account their cultural and individual needs. In this essay I will discuss my personal experiences as well the past experiences of Mrs Akajen which may influence the establishment of a nurse-person therapeutic relationship (N-PTR). I will also discuss and…

The Mabo Decision was the result of Eddie Koiki Mabo 's efforts to campaign for Aboriginal civil and land rights, a response to the discrimination Aboriginal communities have been subjected to in their own land, beginning from the arrival of the First Fleet and continuing to the present day despite numerous efforts. Prior to Mabo, the policies of Terra Nullius and Crown Land were seen as an unfair violation, and no representatives from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community decided…

Australian English is a second language for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, that attitudes need to change both of teachers and of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and parents, and the need for schools to adopt a culturally supportive framework. In addition best practice examples are discussed from the Strong and Smart documentary and three AITSIL Professional Standard mini viewings. The second part of the report discusses best practices, teaching and learning…

Mabo v. Queensland (No2) (1992) Summarise the fact situation The Mabo case started at the hands of a group of people from the Murray islands including Eddie Mabo and was brought to high court. The group claimed that the Merriam people should have the right to claim ownership of the Mer Island as such right hasn’t been covered in the Queensland government. Eddie Mabo asked the high court to introduce and hence recognise their rights of ownership and use the land as they prefer- according to their…

symbol of hope for Indigenous and Torres Strait Islanders. Australia in modern day society are somewhat optimistic for the future of the relationship between both races. Attitudes to Indigenous lives and lifestyles, interactions and attitudes to personal involvement and cultural awareness and pride determines the quality of this relationship. The 2008 apology to the Stolen Generation was generally well received by the broader community, as well as Indigenous Australians, with the latter…

Murray Islands (Mer) brought legal action to the High Court of Australia looking to confirm whether they had traditional land rights over the Murray Islands. The plaintiff’s presented that they continuously inhabited the land and waters and claimed…