Torres Strait Islander
noun[C]
uk/ˌtɒr.ɪs ˌstreɪt ˈaɪ.lən.dər/us/ˌtɑː.rɪs ˌstreɪt ˈaɪ.lən.dɚ/amemberof araceofpeoplewho were the firstpeopletoliveon theislandsnowknownas the Torres Strait Islands, between theNorthofAustraliaand Papua NewGuinea, before any Europeansarrived:
Torres Strait Islanders were nottraditionallyhuntersand gatherers. Theycultivatedvegetablegardensandlivedinhutsinsettledvillages.
WeworkwithAboriginaland Torres Strait Islanderpeopleall aroundAustraliafromremotecommunitiestoruralcentres.
- For most Torres Strait Islanders,cultureandhistoryareindeliblytiedtotheirland.
- Thepolicysaw10% ofAboriginaland Torres Strait Islanderpeopleaged25yearsand overseparatedfromtheirfamilies.
- ThemissingTorres Strait Islandersstayedalivebyeatingrawshellfishanddrinkingrainwater.