In a November 1 press release, the Kaurareg people of the Torres Islands declared their independence from Australia and dubbed their new nation the United Isles of Kaiwalagal. The declaration comes at a time when many people in the region are suffering from poor social and economic conditions and a lack of group identity. The unrest stems from what many Kaurareg see as poor representation from both indigenous groups and the Australian Government. A press release from the group further states that regional organizations in the area have not respected the Kaurareg’s identity, culture and their traditional boundaries.See Spotlight Article
