Glossary Term:

Torres Strait Islander

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are the first inhabitants of Australia.

Torres Strait Islander peoples come from the islands of the Torres Strait, between the tip of Cape York in Queensland and Papua New Guinea. Torres Strait Islanders are of Melanesian origin with their own distinct identity, history and cultural traditions. Many Torres Strait Islanders live on mainland Australia (Australian Human Rights Commission 2016).

Australian Human Rights Commission 2016, viewed 8 September, <http://www.humanrights.gov.au/publications/questions-and-answers-about-aboriginal-torres-strait-islander-peoples>

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