1. A 'tombstone opening' and the problem of island custom -- 2. Pearlers, pastors and protectors -- 3. Disastrous contact: 'army time' and after -- 4. Reflections in a colonial mirror -- 5. The Murray Islanders -- 6. The Baduans -- 7. Welfare colonialism -- 8. The society of Islanders
Summary:
Cultural history of Torres Strait Islands based on archival sources and the oral record, focusing on contrasts between Badu and Murray Islands; emergence of colonial order from mid 1800s; introduction of Government, mission, industry; outbreak of Pacific War during WWII, collapse of pearling industry, beginning of emigration to mainland in 1960s; Islanders understanding of their history, present situation; case studies of Badu and Murray Islands, first 100 years of colonisation; recent history, emergence of welfare economy, political system, mainland TSI community; role of Island custom in mediating their relationship with Australian society in part through imposing Islander social structures on changes brought from Australian culture.