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Social Justice & Human Rights Issues:
A Global Perspective
Responses and initiativesIndigenous Australian Case Study:
Torres Strait Mer (Murray Island) and Eddie 'Koiki' Mabo
2. Overview of Mer (Murray Island)
My father was born on Mer in 1936 but spent most of his life on the mainland of Australia in exile. Despite this he never lost his link with his home. My father was buried on Mer.
Las on the eastern side of Mer. This was one of the areas that Eddie Mabo was fighting for. The bamboo fences are to protect the houses from the wind.
The Murray Group comprises of three islands - Mer, Dauar and Waier. They are located at the eastern end of Torres Strait at the top of the Great Barrier Reef.
People
The population of the Murray Island is just over 400 people. There are eight Meriam tribes - Komet, Zagareb, Meuram, Magaram, Geuram, Peibre, Meriam-Samsep, Piadram and Dauer Meriam. The organization of the island is based on the traditional laws of boundary and ownership.
The people of Mer (Meriam) maintain their traditional culture. Modern influences such as consumer goods, television, travel and radio are having an impact on traditional practices and culture. Despite this, song and dance remains an integral part of island life and is demonstrated through celebrations such as Mabo Day, Coming of the Light, Tombstone openings and other cultural events.
The people of Mer speak Torres Strait Creole and Meriam. English is a second language.
Mer is governed by the Community Council, which is responsible for roads, water, housing and community events. The Community Council has a major influence on community life. The elders of the community hold a position of respect and also have a major influence on island life.
Geography
Mer is a basaltic island formed from an extinct volcano. The island rises to a plateau 80m above sea level. The highest point of the island is Gelam Paser - the western end of the crater (230m). The island has red fertile soil and is covered in dense vegetation. The island has a tropical climate with a wet and dry season.
History
Murray Island has been influenced by a number of events. These events, especially during the twentieth century, forced the islanders to adjust to a new lifestyle being introduced through government control. The events include:
• Forty year of strict government control which prohibited Islander culture.
• The pastoral responsibility of the island being handed over to the Church of England by the London Missionary Society. This saw a relaxation the anti traditional attitude of the missionaries.
• The 1936 maritime strike which allowed islanders to assert control and reject government controls. This strike was the result of the Islanders dissatisfaction with the fact that their wages and boats were managed by the Protector - a government appointed supervisor.
• The 1937 inaugural Island Councillors meeting on Yorke Island which resulted in the Torres Strait Islander Act of 1939. This gave Islanders more authority in their own affairs and established local government on each island.
• World War II, which brought Islanders into contact with more Europeans. Over 700 Islanders volunteered to assist with coast watch work. This group was known as the Torres Strait Light Infantry Battalion.
• The migration of Islanders to mainland Australia as jobs disappeared in the pearling industry.
• The call for independence from Australia in the 1980s due to the government failing to provide basic infrastructure on the island.
• The 1992 Mabo case which confirmed the Islanders ownership of their land.
Click on the links below to investigate other topics in this Indigenous Australian Case Study:
1. Overview of the Torres Strait Islands
The National Centre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Statistics (NCATSIS)
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