Blue Water Empire - Episode 2

This lesson supports teaching about the history of Torres Strait Islander peoples through the documentary series Blue Water Empire. It contains background information about the Torres Strait Islander people and their country to support you in viewing this episode and exploring the topics with your students.

Episode 2 explores how the pearling boom brought thousands of strangers to the region and had a profound economic and cultural impact on the Torres Strait. Missionaries introduced Christianity, which influenced the spiritual lives of many Torres Strait Islander peoples and affected traditional language, dance, and other traditions. The episode also highlights the role of Torres Strait Islander peoples in serving Australia in World War 2.