Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities

Following closely behind New South Wales, Queensland has the 2nd largest Aboriginal population in Australia, totalling 146,400 documented in an ABS 2006 and over half (61%) of the census count of Torres Strait Islander peoples (including TSI and Aboriginal origin). (ABS, 2007).

Riverlife Mirrabooka

Riverlife Mirrabooka is a comprehensive tourism product which successfully demonstrates the depth of Indigenous contribution to Australia’s identity. Already popular with travellers from the UK and Europe, the experience is conducted in the heart of Brisbane, it delivers unique Aboriginal tourism experience that provides a real understanding of local Indigenous customs, art, culture and heritage. 

See  www.indigenoustourism.australia.com/business.asp?sub=0665

According to the Queensland Government’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnership’s (ATSIP) statistics, 50% of Indigenous Queenslanders live in large urban and regional centres, compared with 80% of non-Indigenous counterparts; and approximately 27% of Indigenous Queenslanders live in remote or very remote areas, compared with 5% non-Indigenous Queenslanders (ATSIP 2006).  Considering these statistics, it is very likely that at some stage in your career, you may work with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups are as diverse as the migrant groups in Australia, each with their own customs, beliefs and values.  This is where your research should begin. Aboriginal people have a rich cultural heritage which embraces song, art, language and dance as communication tools to pass on traditions and laws. 

‘In Aboriginal societies language is not only seen as a form of communication but as a method of right to land, forming boundaries for each family group and language group.’ (Indigenous Australia, 2007).

Currently, there are approximately 200 Indigenous language groups.  At the time of European settlement, it is estimated there were 750 language groups.  The current 200 language groups are in jeopardy and it is proposed that fewer than twenty may survive (Wikipedia, 2007).

These resources can provide generic considerations when working with Indigenous peoples, however, a more thorough understanding of the community you connect with will be imperative. 

The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission website is an excellent source of information relating to ATSI social justice.     www.hreoc.gov.au/Social_Justice/index.html