How much do you know about the Torres Strait Islands?

The Torres Strait Islanders have a distinct origin, history, and way of life, which sets them apart from other cultures in the region.

The Torres Strait Islanders traded with Aboriginal people of Cape York and the people of Papua New Guinea before the Europeans arrived. They were well regarded by European visitors because they were gardeners and fearless defenders of their territories.

The "pearl rush" in 1870 brought thousands of people from all over the world to the Torres Strait Islands, transforming the Islanders' lives.

<p>The Torres Strait Islanders traded with Aboriginal people of Cape York and the people of Papua New Guinea before the arrival of Europeans.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The Torres Strait Islanders live in 18 permanent communities on 17 islands today, and they still frequent their traditionally owned islands for fishing, gardening, and recreation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The London Missionary Society brought Christianity to Darnley Island in 1871, incorporating traditional ritual and belief while ending the practice of reciprocal killing and trading in human heads. 1 July 1871 is celebrated as &quot;The Coming of the Light,&quot; the day of the first Christian service on the island.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Initial European contact was made in 1606 by the Spanish navigator Luis Vaez de Torres, who sailed through what is now called the Torres Strait.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Islanders embraced Torres Strait Creole as a shared language and Christianity as a fulfilment of their existing religious beliefs, rather than the imposition of a new one.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The first contact between Europeans and the Torres Strait Islanders was made in 1606 when the Spanish navigator Luis Vaez de Torres sailed through the Torres Strait.</p> Signup and view all the answers