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Which five cultural groups make up the Torres Strait Islander peoples?
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Torres Strait Islander peoples
A Torres Strait Islander boy performing a traditional dance.
The Torres Strait Islander peoples are traditionally divided into five distinct cultural groups, which are represented by the five-pointed star on the Torres Strait Islander flag. These groups are:
- Eastern (Meriam)1
- Top Western (Guda Maluilgal)1
- Near Western (Maluilgal)1
- Central (Kulkalgal)1
- Inner Islands (Kaiwalagal)1
These groups are defined by their unique geographical locations, traditional languages, and cultural practices within the Torres Strait Islands. While they share a common reliance on the sea and a deep connection to their traditional lands, each group has developed distinct methods of survival and social organization suited to their specific island environments.1