Meriam people

Mer (Murray Island), in the eastern group of Torres Strait Islands off the northern tip of Australia, is home to the Meriam people.

The Meriam people are perhaps best known for their involvement in the High Court of Australia's Mabo decision which fundamentally changed land law in Australia - recognising Aboriginal traditional ownership.

Although gardening took priority, each Meriam family had sea rights, and on the reefs in front of their houses, which were mainly built above the beach, they maintained stone fish-weirs and crayfish holes. Skilled seafarers, the Meriam also retained fishing rights over reefs extending 60 km north and south of the islands.

See also

• Torres Strait Islanders

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