Context (Analysis)
Statement by artists Billy Missi and Victor Motlop: “The purpose of creating this image is what we think about NATIVE TITLE. There are six main topics we express here - Recognition, Identity, Justice, Control, Protect and Benefit. RECOGNITION To this day we see that whenever our Local Government representatives visit the outer islands of Torres Strait for meetings or conferences, they always acknowledge and show recognition to the local native people on whose land they stand and speak on. Also when we go to the other islands for the same reasons or sporting events, including travelling to mainland Australia to lauch exhibitions, we always acknowledge the local custodians. This makes us proud that we respect one another.

IDENTITY Dhari (headdress) and the (Parru) small turtle-mask shell signifies Lagalail (Torres Strait Islanders). It is our beautiful home where the sun rises from the eastern islands and falls in the western sky. MIgrant birds fly from noth (PNG) to south (Australia) during migrating seasons of green turtles. We are in the middle of two seas, the Coral Sea and the Timor Sea, and also two continents, PNG and Australia. We are pround to be Torres Strait Islanders. JUSTICE It is good to know that justice has taken place and it has been documented and handed back to the Elder representatives in the communities. The day is called Determination Days, which communites celebrate every year. CONTROL Whenever new roads or soil are removed from the land e.g. Ergon Energy wants to build new line or Telstra putting in aerial tower, including soil transfer to another island, the representatives of such companies always consult with local council of Elders before any trees or soil can be moved on land. It is good to know and see that people from such companies respect the rights of Native Title Determination Act.
PROTECT Protecting land outside Deed of Grant in Turst areas means a lot to our people. It can be used for a number of reasons of course by consulting with council of Elders. One of the main topics are using it for cultivation purposes, plant food such as taro, yam, bananas, coconut tree and replanting native fruits which was once done by our forefathers for survival reasons in all seasons.
BENEFIT Native Title means a lot for our people. All our native family can benefit from it including future generations to come. We all feel secure to our land and knowing and understanding these six main topics.” (from a paper accompanying the print).
Event Date 2001
Author: rachel hand

Context (Field collection)
Purchased by Anita Herle from the artists at the Mualgau Minaral art workshop at Kubin in 2002, received by the Museum in 2005.


Event Date 19/2/2002
Author: maa

Description (Physical description)
Lino-cut print entitled NGALBAYN WAKAIN THAMAM “What we Think” (2001). Limited edition print 1/85 with artists Billy Missu and Victor Motlop’s signature. Central top figure of a man wearing a dhari above circle containing two hands - one pouring something into the other (perhaps referencing the iconic image of Minister Matt Foley pouring sand into the hand of elder Peter Bob as a symbol of ownership, Warraber Island 22 August 1998). Human figures, native fruits, judge’s mallet etc. emerge from patterned backdrop. Background at along top showing sun over the islands and birds flying in the sky.
Event Date 19/2/2013
Author: maa