Torres Strait Islanders |
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Torres Strait Islanders are the indigenous people of the Torres Strait Islands, which became part of Queensland in 1881.
Of over one hundred islands scattered between Papua New Guinea and Australia, 17 are inhabited. There are 20 communities, each with their own local council, on these islands and on Queensland's Cape York.
A Papuan language (Meriam Mir) is spoken in the eastern Torres Strait, while the language of the western and central islands is related to languages of the Australian mainland.
Most of the islands' economy is based around traditional activities such as fishing and horticulture. Tourism has been limited by a lack of facilities.
The Gab Titui Cultural Centre on Thursday Island, 39km from the mainland, has displays of Torres Strait culture and exhibitions by local artists.
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