Blue Water Empire

This unit contains info packs offering resources to build a lesson on the history of Torres Strait Islanders. The info pack is designed to support teachers in creating lessons around the 3-part documentary series, Blue Water Empire. The series offers a comprehensive history of the Torres Strait Islands, starting from the pre-colonial era through to contemporary times. The series explores how Torres Strait Islanders have sustained their cultural heritage in the face of 200 years of European settlement.

The info pack provides curriculum links relevant to each episode to guide lesson planning, as well as background information about the Torres Strait Islander peoples and their countries. There are also additional links to help plan classroom activities and tips on setting classroom guidelines to ensure a supportive environment during the investigation of this topic.

NOTE - This series has been given an M rating. You will need to follow your school protocols for screening an M film when viewing this series.

Cool Australia and Bunya Productions would like to acknowledge the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Screen Queensland and The Indigenous Department of Screen Australia in the development of these teaching resources.