Description
A journey through Torres Strait Islander culture and identity, past and present.
'My people are expert navigators, adventurers, innovators, ambassadors, teachers, storytellers, performers, strategists, chefs and advocates for change. The blood runs deep when I reflect on the past and the present and imagine what our future might look like.' -Leilani Bin-Juda
What makes Zenadth Kes/Torres Strait unique? And what is it like to be a Torres Strait Islander in contemporary Australia? Growing Up Torres Strait Islander in Australia, compiled by poet and author Samantha Faulkner, showcases the distinct identity of Torres Strait Islanders through their diverse voices and journeys.
Hear from emerging and established writers from both today and the recent past, including Eddie Mabo, Thomas Mayo, Lenora Thaker, Ellie Gaffney, Jillian Boyd-Bowie, Aaron Fa'Aoso and Jimi Bani. These and many more storytellers, mentors, traditional owners, doctors and teachers from the Torres Strait share their joy, culture, good eating, lessons learned and love of family, language and Country.
Discover stories of going dugong hunting and eating mango marinated in soy sauce. The smell of sugar cane and frangipani-scented sea breeze. Family, grandmothers and canoe time. Dancing, singing, weaving hats and making furniture from bamboo. Training as a doctor and advocating for healthcare for the Torres Strait. The loneliness of being caught between two cultures. Mission life, disconnection and being evacuated to the mainland during World War II. "Is that really your mum? Why is she black?". Not being Islander enough. Working hard to reconnect to your roots, and claiming back land and culture.
A book to treasure and share, this groundbreaking collection provides a unique perspective on the Torres Strait Islander experience.
Review
This is a wonderful addition to the Growing up….in Australia series that bring together many stories of what it means to be a Torres Strait Islander today.
Unfortunately, little is known about Torres Strait Islander people or their culture outside of their own community. The stories of real people in this book will help to change this.
Opening with Lenora Thaker and her memories of the importance of coconut oil in her life, to Thomas Mayo’s biographical story of his life as a wharfie and union leader. We then learn of the important aspects of the Mabo land rights case and life of the inspirational Edward Koiki Mabo.
Some other stories that will stay with me were the life of the First Female CEO of the Torres Strait Regional Authority, the amazing Leilani Bin-Juda, herself a strong Torres Strait Islander woman and the story of the master hatmaker, known as the Hatman, Lockeah Wapau.
Many of the contributors have never been to the Torres Strait Islands but their connection is strong through their family traditions, and stories handed down through generations. I found Sorren Thomas’s words so true when he says“awareness of Torres Strait Islanders was (and still is throughout much of Australia) extremely limited, and under-representation is unfortunately still quite common”. Hopefully the stories in this book help to change that.
A common theme through the stories was a strong connection to the sea, their people and their unique culture. This is an important addition to all Australian school libraries, and will be best read by those aged 13 and up.
