Throwing off the Cloak

Throwing off the cloak opens a window onto the Torres Strait Islands peoples struggles for control over their own lives, and recognition of their unique island identities and aspirations.

For 160 years the Islanders have resisted governments continued dismissal of their ambitions. Foregrounding the Islanders views throughout, Osborne explores debates centering on their struggle to recover their rights to their land, sea, fish resources, and to make decisions for their own wellbeing. A successful example of their passive resistance and emerging skills in dealing with political leaders was the successful Border Not Change protest.

Torres Strait Islander fishers have struggled against governmental control of their sea resources and those who take mercilessly from them. One Torres Strait Island leader articulated what identity means to him when asked, 'What are you claiming, are you claiming the sea, the beach or the resources?' He replied, 'If an oil tanker ran aground it kills the bed, kills the fish and it kills me'.

Throwing off the cloak is essential reading for anyone interested in Indigenous responses to colonisation.

Production Details

• Paperback
• 230mm x 155mm x 14mm
• 256pp
• Released October 2009
• ISBN 9780855756628

Contents

Illustrations
Informants
Clusters of island communities in Torres Strait
Map of Torres Strait and surrounds
Map of islands of the Torres Strait
Shortened forms
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Chapter 1: The early years
Chapter 2: Paternalism challenged
Chapter 3: The growth of political activism
Chapter 4: Political momentum
Chapter 5: Ownership of land and sea
Chapter 6: Traditional ownership of the sea’s resources
Chapter 7: Greater autonomy
Reflexions
References
Index

About The Cover

Front cover image: James Akiba dancing at Djarragun College, Cairns. Courtesy Djarragun College.