Say Our Name: Australian South Sea Islanders

1. We, South Sea People

Australian South Sea Islander identity is shaped by strong family networks and deep community connections extending along the eastern coastline of Queensland and parts of New South Wales. Discover more about who Australian South Sea Islanders are and how they unite through recognition, identity, and future aspirations.

2. Our Ancestors

South Sea Islander men, women and children were brought to Australia from across the Pacific Ocean as labourers. Some were coerced, kidnapped, or deceived in a practice known as ‘blackbirding’. Others came voluntarily to work on the sugar plantations. Explore how South Sea Islanders brought with them customs, ceremonies, and cultural knowledge which have mostly been eroded over time by colonial influences.

3. Sweet as Sugar

Queensland’s sugar industry and the history of human movement for the cultivation of commodities like sugar, tea and tobacco is recognised as part of a global plantation economy – colloquially called the ‘Plantocene’. South Sea Islanders were similarly treated as a resource for feeding the global appetite for sugar – life was anything but sweet as sugar. Today, new generations of people have been reclaiming their plantation heritage.

 4. In sight

Plantations were places of colonial power controlling the lives of South Sea Islander labourers – from the clothing worn to where people lived and how they were documented. Amidst the many legal and social constraints, though, grew a community of strength and resilience. Take a closer look at how South Sea Islander people lived and gain new insight into their story of survival.

5. Stay or Go

By 1901, new legislation driven by the White Australia Policy dramatically changed the lives of South Sea Islanders living in Australia. Facing forced deportation to home islands, many South Sea Islanders politically mobilised in their fight for freedom. Learn how adversity and activism led to the emergence of the Australia South Sea Islander identity.

6. Series of Fragments

The small number of South Sea Islanders who were exempted from deportation in 1906 began new lives throughout Queensland. Today, exists fragments of their hidden histories in the landscape, historical collections, and family stories. Discover more about these clues and how reclaiming the past gives voice to Australian South Sea Islander experiences and identity.

7. Strengthening Connections

Despite fragmented histories and intergenerational trauma, Australian South Sea Islanders create spaces in their homes and communities to preserve stories. By blending old and new – practices and experiences – connections to family, cultural identity, ancestors and island roots are strengthened forming a greater understanding of identity and place in the world.

8. Say Our Name

With a story of exploitation, resilience, unity, and activism stretching back 160 years, the Australian South Sea Islander identity connects and empowers. The 30th anniversary of national recognition of Australian South Sea Islanders as a distinct cultural group is a time for reflecting, educating, and sharing our unique stories. On this day, take a moment and say our name, Australian South Sea Islanders.