This is an NFSA Digital Learning resource. See all Digital Learning websites.
The Eight Clans
More Information

Until the 1890's, the eight clans of the Meriam lived in clusters of villages within clan territories, spread around the islands of Mer, Dauar and Waier.

Each territory begins on the land and extends out to the edge of the home reef.

Today, "nameholders" within each clan still own particular plots of land, reefs, lagoons and stone fish-traps; they are responsible for them on behalf of their family.
Belong to the Wind
Audio and Text
 
clans, Mer, totems, wind
Figures of wind circle
Image
 
Mer, Meriam culture, Stars of Tagai, wind
The totem of each named clan
Text
1993
clans, Meriam culture, Stars of Tagai, totems, wind
Indigenous People & Their Land
Topic
 
custom, indigenous people, land ownership, land rights, land use, sacred
...Piadaram clansmen...
Video
 
clans, Land Bilong Islanders, Las, Mabo, Edward Koiki, Piadaram, Sagir - Trade Winds, Wailu, Jack
The Murray Islanders' Evidence
Topic
1986
evidence, Mabo, Edward Koiki, Murray Island, plaintiffs, witnesses
Land Bilong Islanders - Mabo
Topic
 
Great Northern expedition, land ownership, Mabo Case, Mabo, Edward Koiki, Malo's laws, Mer, Meriam culture, Moynihan, Justice Martin, Murray Island, sea rights
The Mabo Case
Topic
1982-1992
High Court of Australia, International law, Mabo Case, Mabo, Edward Koiki, terra nullius
Figures of wind circle 2
Image
 
Mer, Stars of Tagai, wind