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Customs Old & New
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From the 1930's on, Meriam and Torres Strait Islander culture was undermined, by Government decree, by persuasion and divide and rule tactics.

However, despite these pressures, "island custom", as it came to be known, developed and found various expressions.

Some of the old ways were revived and new customs emerged.

Across the Torres Strait Islands, tombstone unveiling ceremonies sprang up, as a way of reaffirming the bonds between the living and the dead.
...the only thing we had was the land...
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childhood, land ownership, Las, Mabo, Benny, Mabo, Edward Koiki, Mabo, Maiga, Mabo's Garden
...traditional sailing canoe...
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canoes, culture, custom, Las, Mer
White beliefs were not the only ones
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gardening, land disputes, land use, Las, Mabo, Benny, Mabo, Edward Koiki, Mabo's Garden, Mer
...Eddie Mabo's tombstone opening...
Image and Text
Jun, 3, 1995
ceremony, desecration, Mabo, Bonita, Tickner, Robert, tombstone ceremony, Townsville
...Invitation...
Image and Text
Jun, 3, 1995
desecration, Mabo family, tombstone ceremony
Bakir Auski - Tombstone Opening 1995
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Jun, 3, 1995
Bakir Auski, Mabo, Edward Koiki, Mabo family, mourning, tombstone, tombstone unveiling, Townsville
Tombstone Unveiling Ceremonies
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burial, Sharp, Dr. Nonie, Stars of Tagai, tombstone unveiling, Torres Strait, Torres Strait Islanders
Eastern Island Hymn Number 145
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Christianity, hymns, Meriam culture