Our Islands Our Home
Torres Strait Islanders are on the frontline of the climate crisis, and urgent action is needed to ensure they can remain on their Islands. Right now, king tides, erosion, inundation and coral bleaching are threatening the homes and cultures of Torres Strait Islander people, while the Australian Government refuses to address the climate crisis.
‘Our Islands Our Home’, is a campaign led by Torres Strait Islanders to protect their island homes. The children in Years 3–6 at Marks Point Public School were inspired to #BEBRAVE and #MAKECHANGE this Reconciliation Week and participated in an act of solidarity to support the ‘Our Islands Our Home’ campaign.
Marks Point students explored case studies of what island life is like for children who live in the Torres Strait. They then compared their own family traditions, culture and recreation activities and found many similarities. Our students also enjoy hunting and fishing, and their families pass on their knowledge of the local area.
Students support the Torres Strait Islanders and agree that “We must look after our island, the way it has looked after us. The bosom of this land is our mother, and the water surrounding it is our father. We have to protect them, our islands our home” – Yessie Mosby, Zenadth Kes Masig man and claimant.
Please read these inspiring and powerful letters, written by the classes at Marks Point Public School, which were sent to the local member of the Torres Strait, Warren Entsch.
Dear Mr Entsch – Local MP Torres Strait,
Our class 5/6DG at Marks Point Public School, New South Wales, have been inspired to #BEBRAVE and #MAKECHANGE this Reconciliation Week. We were inspired and heartbroken to hear the effects of climate change for Torres Strait Islander people. We find it hypocritical there is not enough action being taking for climate change despite the Australian government saying ‘Sorry’ to Aboriginal and Torres Islander peoples for the injustice they have experienced. We are concerned that there will be ancient burials, ancient knowledge and ancient culture buried beneath the sea. The children of the Torres Strait Islanders have the right to grow up on their home islands free of anxiety and stress about their future. The future generations of the Torres Strait deserve the right to be able to choose to live on their island homes and have the same opportunities as their ancestors and elders before them. We need to tackle climate change so we can save our Torres Strait Islander children from king tides, erosion, inundation and coral bleaching that are threatening the homes and cultures of Torres Strait Islander people.
We are sending our support.
5/6DG,
Marks Point Public School
Dear Mr Entsch – Local MP Torres Strait,
Our class 3/4G at Marks Point Public School, New South Wales, have been inspired to #BEBRAVE and #MAKECHANGE this Reconciliation Week. We were inspired and heartbroken to hear the effects of climate change for Torres Strait Islander people. We feel sorry for the children who live there as we believe they have a right to living their best island life forever. The children have the right to education and continuing to learn and experience their culture on their island. We need to tackle climate change so we can save our Torres Strait Islander children from king tides, erosion, inundation and coral bleaching that are threatening the homes and cultures of Torres Strait Islander people.
We are sending our support.
3/4G,
Marks Point Public School
Dear Mr Entsch – Local MP Torres Strait,
Our class 4/5L at Marks Point Public School, New South Wales, have been inspired to #BEBRAVE and #MAKECHANGE this Reconciliation Week. We were inspired and heartbroken to hear the effects of climate change for Torres Strait Islander people. The government have apologised to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, but words like ‘Sorry’ AREN’T helping the Torres Strait Islander communities’ futures living on the island because what we need are ACTIONS. The children of the Torres Strait deserve the opportunity to live happily and worry-free on their island homes. If we do not act, the Torres Strait islands will be buried under water and the green on the flag will become meaningless. We are concerned about the displacement of all the people that live on the island. Where will they live? How will their ancient cultures and traditions survive? Where will children go to school? We are concerned the children of the Torres Strait are going to become homeless, not have access to education, food or supplies and therefore they currently do not have a bright future. We need to tackle climate change so we can save our Torres Strait Islander children from king tides, erosion, inundation and coral bleaching that are threatening the homes and cultures of Torres Strait Islander people.
We are sending our support.
4/5L,
Marks Point Public School