A group of 20 musicians and dancers from the Torres Strait Islands, located between Australia and Papua New Guinea, recently completed a tour of Fiji. The ensemble was scheduled to present traditional dances in urban and village areas of Lautoka during their 15-day visit, as reported by The Fiji Times on March 2, 1983.
During their tour, the group also performed in several other locations, including Nadi, Sigatoka, Suva, Korovou, Tailevu, Viria, Vunidawa in Naitasiri, and further regions like Ovalau, Rakiraki, and Tavua.
This tour was organized by the Ministry of Fijian Affairs in collaboration with the Australian High Commission in Suva and the Fiji Arts Council. The visit to Fiji was part of a broader journey that included stops in New Zealand, Hawaii, and the West Coast of the United States.
The Torres Strait Islanders specifically requested the Fiji tour to immerse themselves in Fijian culture and engage with local communities to exchange dance experiences. The initiative to bring their traditional songs and dances to international audiences originated with the islanders, each of whom invested their personal savings to ensure the tour’s success. Subsequently, the Australian Government supported the initiative through the Aboriginal Arts Board of Australia.
The population of the Torres Strait Islands is primarily Melanesian, with influences from the Philippines, Malaysia, and Papua New Guinea. Approximately 2,000 years ago, the Torres Strait Islanders migrated from Melanesia to the region, drawn by its rich fishing resources and strategic position for inter-island trade. Known for their fierce independence, they are citizens of Australia.
In the last two centuries, the Torres Strait Islanders gained recognition for their deep-sea diving skills, developing significant industries in natural pearls and trochus shells. However, in recent decades, these industries have declined due to competition from synthetic alternatives, prompting many islanders to move to the Australian mainland. This migration led to a loss of cultural significance for many traditional dances and practices, and numerous members of the community are now unable to converse in their native languages.