Self-determination
The peoples of the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area seek to achieve their right to self-determination.
23 August 2022 · Zenadth Kes
The MASIG
The MASIG
Statement.
Malungu Yangu Wakay
The Voice from the deep.
The purpose
Acting together in unity.
The MASIG Statement establishes principles for the peoples of the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area to pursue self-determination and regional autonomy while preserving their distinctive relationship with Country under Ailan Kastom and Aboriginal tradition.
From the official statement
“Act together in unity.” The statement calls for self-determination and regional autonomy while preserving the peoples' distinctive relationships with lands, waters and resources under Ailan Kastom and Aboriginal tradition.
Four foundational aims
Rights, autonomy and a shared regional future.
The statement draws on Articles 3 and 4 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Human Rights Act 2019 (Qld).
Freely determined development
The right to determine political status and freely pursue economic, social and cultural development.
Autonomy and self-government
The right to autonomy in internal and local affairs, including the ways and means of financing autonomous functions.
Partnership for regional goals
Partnership with regional stakeholders, governments and relevant organisations to achieve shared aspirations and safeguard human rights.
A regional journey
Past1937
Present2022
Future2037
Past. Present. Future.
The beginning of regional autonomy through the Torres Strait Island Councillors Conference.
The beginning of a new beginning, a culturally united path to regional sovereignty through The MASIG Statement.
The statement's horizon for the beginning of regional sovereignty.
What it means for Crystal Ailan
A practical alignment framework.
Crystal Ailan can put these principles into practice through how decisions are made, benefits are shared, progress is measured and partnerships are formed.
Important: The MASIG Statement and Malungu Yangu Wakay are acknowledged as First Nations cultural and intellectual property. This page is Crystal Ailan's proposed interpretation, prepared at the direction of its director. It is not part of the original statement, does not claim ownership and does not speak on behalf of its authors or signatories.
Indigenous-led decisions
Keep authority, priorities and approval with the people and communities whose Country and futures are affected.
Care for Country
Assess every activity against its effect on lands, waterways, coastal seas, culture and future generations.
Local economic strength
Prioritise local jobs, skills, procurement, enterprise ownership and community benefit from recovered resources.
Culture and community
Respect Ailan Kastom, strengthen cultural continuity and make social and cultural outcomes visible alongside financial results.
Accountable partnerships
Work with partners whose roles, commitments and benefits are clear and aligned with regional goals.
Evidence and transparency
Report collection volumes, local benefits, environmental outcomes, funding and delivery progress in a way the community can use.
Built into the work
From principle to practice.
A consistent test for the website, reporting platform and future projects.
Principle
Website
Reporting
Future projects
Self-determination
Show Indigenous ownership, leadership and local priorities clearly.
Use measures that reflect community-defined value.
Require local authority and approval at key decisions.
Development
Explain environmental, economic, social and cultural outcomes together.
Track jobs, refunds, skills, procurement and Country outcomes.
Include a clear community-benefit case before proceeding.
Autonomy
Make Crystal Ailan's role and regional ambition visible.
Keep data useful and accessible for local decision-making.
Build local capability, control and long-term financial resilience.
Partnership
Name current partners accurately and explain their contribution.
Attribute funding, delivery and outcomes transparently.
Choose partners whose commitments align with regional aspirations.
Official source
Open the official source
Read The MASIG Statement in its original form.
Published 23 August 2022 and attached to Submission 4 for the Australian parliamentary inquiry into the application of UNDRIP in Australia.