Thursday, 20 February 2025
Stories and events of the Kaurareg homeland of Kaiwalagal, the Torres Strait homeland and Cape York homelands of the Anggamuthi, Atambaya, Wuthathi, Yadhaykenu and Gudang Peoples.
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Islands celebrate 40 years of Treaty BY CARLI WILLIS Saibai was one of several ailan communities to host a day of celebrations, traditional dance, discussions and kai kai last Saturday, marking 40 years of the Torres Strait Treaty and what that has meant for the region and its people. The Torres Strait Treaty was signed in December 1978 and came into force in February 1985. The events honoured traditional kinship, cultural ties and histories shared between Torres Strait Islanders and 13 coastal villages of Papua New Guinea. Torres Strait Island Regional Council (TSIRC) and the Treaty Liaison Office marked the anniversary of the historic Torres Strait Treaty with a special celebration at the Community Hall on Saibai Island.
MAIN PIC: Helping to celebrate 40 years of the Torres Strait Treaty is Kasa Warusam from the Saibai Muyngu Koekaper dance group. Pic by Julie Lahn, Japan Zenadth Kes Project. RIGHT: The always impressive Saibai dancers and their warups, ready to celebrate. Pic supplied by TSIRC.
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TSIRC Mayor and Treaty Co-Chair Phillemon Mosby said the highlight of the celebration was a mesmerising performance by Saibai Island’s Muyngu Koekaper Dance Team, renowned for their traditional dances. He said 40 years was a significant milestone. “The Torres Strait Treaty is more than an agreement – it is a living bridge that connects our communities across sovereign borders,” he said. “For 40 years, it has ensured the preservation of our cultural traditions, economic ties and family connections.” Treaty Liaison Officer TJ Oberleuter travelled to Saibai to take part in the celebration, to demonstrate his “support and deep admiration of the Torres Strait and PNG communities”.
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