Saibai Island, northern Torres Strait Islands

Saibai is a fairly large low-lying island only 4 km from the Papua New Guinea mainland. The language spoken is KKY (Kalaw Kawaw Ya). Saibai Islanders have always traded with PNG, although their great enemies were traditionally the Kiwai of the Fly River. The Saibai Islanders accepted Christianity in 1871 with the arrival of the London Missionary Society. The missionaries removed the sacred adtihibuia stone, which was venerated because it protected locals from the Kiwai.

During World War 1, the German Wislin cult flourished in Saibai, but soon diminished. After Saibai Island was devastated by a tidal wave, a group of Saibai Islanders, led by a man named Bamaga Ginau, eventually accepted Government assistance to resettle on Cape York. The reserve that was established took Bamaga's name.

The Saibai Islanders were adamant that, after Papua New Guinea became independent in 1975, their islands would remain Australian and they succeeded in that respect. There is however, regular trade between Saibai and Papuan villages; the locals, carrying a permit, may cross the border, something outsiders may not do. Strict quarantine regulations are in force however.

(This information is courtesy of Torres Strait Island Missions and Communities, © State Library of Queensland 1995-2003...)