Kaurareg people, Indigenous community in Torres Strait Islands, Queensland, Australia.
The Kaurareg are an Indigenous people living on multiple islands in the Torres Strait, including Thursday Island, called Waiben in their language. The region is shaped by water and is home to a community with its own way of life and deep connection to the marine environment.
After World War II, descendants of the Kaurareg returned to their ancestral lands and began seeking recognition of their land rights. These efforts eventually led to formal acknowledgment of their ownership over several islands in the region.
The Kaurareg maintain strong ties to the sea through fishing practices and sailing outrigger canoes, traditions passed down through generations. These maritime ways shape how people live today and connect the community across the Torres Strait region.
Visitors can learn about Kaurareg culture through guided tours on Thursday Island, where community members share their traditions. It helps to ask locals about available tours and to approach their customs with genuine respect.
In 2001, the Kaurareg secured control over seven islands, including Muralas and Ngurupai, through legal recognition of their land rights. This achievement marked a significant turning point in reclaiming their territories after decades of separation.
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