Forwarded from Christine Howes: Dept of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Policy & Development Press Release Old Island way recognised in new council system March 17, 2000 The local council electors of Saibai Island in Torres Strait will be the first Queenslanders to vote under a system tailor-made for their unique culture, after the Government endorsed an initiative of the island community. The Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Policy, Judy Spence, said today the Government had passed a special regulation to enable the citizens of Saibai to choose their representatives along clan lines. "March 25 will be an historic day for Saibai Island, as its voters become the first in Queensland to select councillors according to a clan system," Ms Spence said. "The system was designed by the people of Saibai, who presented the Government with a strong case for a new government structure that would recognise their age-old culture. "The Labor Government upholds the right of Indigenous communities to have governing structures that suit their diverse cultures, and has introduced a regulation that enables this unique Saibai system." Saibai Island, home to about 350 people, is one of Queensland's most isolated outposts. It is 130km north-north-east of Thursday Island and a short boat ride from the Papua New Guinea coast. English is the third language, with Kala Kawaw Ya being preferred, followed by Torres Strait Creole. Ms Spence said: "The new council structure recognises that the island has two tribes, known as buways, which divide into seven clans. "Koeybuway - or big tribe - has three clans, and Moegibuway - meaning small tribe - has four. "Each clan will elect one councillor. After the first election, the councillors will elect a chair. After subsequent elections the chair will alternate between the buways. "At the moment there are only three elected members (two councillors and a chair) and there are concerns in the community that clans without a councillor are not being properly represented. "The new council structure should settle those concerns. "It will allow for a style of local government that fits the Saibai lifestyle, and gives each clan group a fair say in the running of their community." -- _________________________________ Truth is a pathless land. --- Krishnamurti ------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words: unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/recoznet2%40paradigm4.com.au/
