Rare archival photographs commemorate a pivotal moment of Zenadth Kes (Torres Strait) history

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then a collection of archival photographs is an entire library of memories.

Fifty years ago, a group of Japanese researchers – known as the Torres Strait Kenkyūkai – travelled to Zenadth Kes (Torres Strait), visiting every island community. It was a time of political uncertainties – Papua New Guinea declared independence from Australia in 1975, and negotiating the border between the two countries greatly affected the people of Zenadth Kes.

The photographs and sound recordings made by the researchers illustrate everyday life during this period, offering a window into a time of resilience, leadership, and cultural strength.

Originally published only in Japanese, the Torres Strait Kenkyūkai’s work is now returning home and is currently on display as part of the GOTAT | GUTHATH | 時代の潮目 | TIDES exhibition at The Australian National University (ANU).

The exhibition was made possible through a collaboration between ANU Japan Zenadth Kes Project researchers, Gur A Baradharaw Kod Torres Strait Sea and Land Council (GBK) and the National Museum of Ethnology in Osaka.

It is the result of extensive work on the ground by the JZK Project team of 11: Dr Julie Lahn, Dr Annick Thomassin and Samantha Faulkner, Jacinta Baragud, Will Kepa, Michael Passi, Yessie Mosby, Emily Beckley, Neville Johnston, Kinau Akiba, and Abba Babia.

At the launch, community leaders, performers, dignitaries and scholars came together for a moving night of reconnection and reflection. The emotion in the room was palpable as the speakers reflected on the deep cultural significance of the photographs.

Mr Ned David, Chair of the GBK and Zenadth Kes leader, encouraged attendees to pay attention to a photograph depicting a campaign for the ‘Border will not change’ movement.

“This particular picture absolutely encapsulates what this work does. It gives you an insight into a point in time where … our leaders stood up to be counted,” David said.

“We as Torres Strait Islanders are extremely fortunate in many ways. There was a moment in time where we were able to have a piece of our history captured.”

The Governor-General of Australia, Her Excellency the Hon Sam Mostyn AC, reflected on the project’s broader significance in Australia’s reconciliation journey.

“The transformative opportunities of the Japan Zenadth Kes Project belong to a narrative of healing, knowledge transmission and relationship building that’s fundamental to Australia’s fundamental work of patient and persistent reconciliation,” Ms Mostyn said.

“Gotat Guthath Tides is an uplifting and energising model of the impact research can have and reminds us of respectful and caring partnerships.”

The Ambassador of Japan to Australia, His Excellency Kazuhiro Suzuki told the room it was “an honour” to share in a project that, “awakens the collective memory of the people in the Torres Strait and supports their rich traditions, culture and identity”.

His Excellency Simeon Beckett SC, whose father wrote his PhD on Zenadth Kes at ANU in the 1960s, shared personal reflections on his family’s long-standing ties to the region in both English and Japanese.

“He would have loved to have been here today,” he said of his father.

The JZK Project is supported by grants from the Australia Japan Foundation: ‘Rekindling Japanese-Torres Strait Connections: Celebrating fifty years’, the Australian Research Council Discovery Project: ‘Valuing Torres Strait Knowledge through Sustainable Digital Returns’ and the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS).