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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples · 1 min read

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

Australia’s first inhabitants are the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, who have the oldest continuous cultures and traditions in the world.

Historically, Aboriginal people are from mainland Australia and Tasmania. The archaeological record indicates that Aboriginal peoples arrived in Australia between 65,000 and 40,000 years ago; however, the Aboriginal peoples believe they are central to the creation stories of this land, and their creation stories commence with the beginning of time. Torres Strait Islander people are from islands between the northern tip of Queensland and Papua New Guinea.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have age-old beliefs and traditions that still guide them today. They have a deep connection with the land, which is expressed in their stories, art and dance. Indigenous cultures are diverse and an important part of Australia’s national identity.

Test yourself on this topic

7 questions on this topic, each with the answer explained.

  1. 1. Historically, Aboriginal people are from which parts of Australia?

    • Papua New Guinea and nearby islands
    • The islands north of Queensland
    • The western deserts of Australia only
    • Mainland Australia and Tasmania

    Explanation: Aboriginal people come from the Australian mainland and from Tasmania, while Torres Strait Islander people come from islands further north.

  2. 2. How do Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples express their deep connection with the land?

    • Through their mining, building and fishing
    • Through their farming, trade and law
    • Through their stories, art and dance
    • Through their sport, music and film

    Explanation: Their bond with the land is shown in cultural forms such as storytelling, artwork and dancing.

  3. 3. The archaeological record indicates that Aboriginal peoples arrived in Australia during which period?

    • Between 10,000 and 5,000 years ago
    • Between 65,000 and 40,000 years ago
    • Between 3,000 and 1,000 years ago
    • Between 500 and 200 years ago

    Explanation: Archaeological evidence points to arrival many tens of thousands of years ago, which is why these are the world's oldest continuous cultures.

  4. 4. Torres Strait Islander people are from islands in which location?

    • Between the southern coast of Tasmania and New Zealand
    • Between the eastern coast of New South Wales and Fiji
    • Between the northern tip of Queensland and Papua New Guinea
    • Between the western coast of Australia and Indonesia

    Explanation: The Torres Strait islands sit in the water that separates far north Queensland from Papua New Guinea.

  5. 5. What do the Aboriginal peoples believe about the creation stories of this land?

    • Their creation stories began when Europeans arrived
    • Their creation stories commence with the beginning of time
    • Their creation stories were brought here from other lands
    • Their creation stories started about 200 years ago

    Explanation: Alongside the archaeological dates, Aboriginal peoples hold that they are central to this land's creation stories, which begin at the very start of time.

  6. 6. Which statement about Indigenous cultures in Australia is correct?

    • They have been replaced by newer Australian traditions
    • They are all the same in every part of the country
    • They are only practised in the Torres Strait islands
    • They are diverse and an important part of national identity

    Explanation: There are many different Indigenous cultures, and together they help make up who Australia is as a nation.

  7. 7. Who were Australia's first inhabitants?

    • The Chinese migrants who came to the colonies
    • The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
    • The British settlers who arrived by ship
    • The Europeans who arrived after the war

    Explanation: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples lived here first, long before anyone else came to Australia.

From Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond, the official booklet