Blue Water Empire - Episode 3

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 peoples and their country to support you in viewing this episode and exploring the topics with your students.

Episode 3 examines the role of Torres Strait Islander peoples in World War 2 before looking at how Torres Strait Islander peoples have moved around Australia in search of work. It explores issues of racism and discrimination against Torres Strait Islander peoples and the stories of George Mye and Eddie Mabo and their fight for freedoms and rights for Torres Strait Islander peoples, and how these struggles continue into the present.