Protocols for consultation and negotiation with Torres Strait Islander people

This is a guide to help you when you are consulting with Queensland Torres Strait Islander individuals, groups and/or communities. The information is useful for consultations held in urban, rural and remote settings.

• Mina Mir Lo Ailan Mun: Proper Communication with Torres Strait Islander Peoples - full document (PDF 420 kB)

You can also download sections of the document:

• Foreword (PDF 22 kB)
• Introduction (PDF 21 kB)
• Traditional Torres Strait Islander society (PDF 21 kB)
  • Contact history (PDF 45 kB)
  • Profile of the Torres Strait (PDF 20 kB)
  • Local, regional and community organisations (PDF 259 kB)
  • Significant issues in the Torres Strait (PDF 21 kB)
• Issues affecting inter-cultural communication (PDF 54 kB)
• Further information (PDF 290 kB)
• Cultural communication cues (PDF 21 kB)
• Bibliography (PDF 43 kB)

Please note: this guide was written in the late 1990s. Some content, including the 'further information' section, needs updating. This information is currenlty being updated.

Guidelines not rules

The information is not meant to tell you what you should do in a situation. It's important to remember that Torres Strait Islanders have a distinctive regional identity. However, be aware that there are also differences between various Islander communities.

There is no one way to do things and there are some problems that have more than one answer. Some problems have no obvious answer. However, the guidelines will help you make some decisions about the best way to approach a negotiation or consultation.

Last reviewed: 20 November 2009

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