Our Story
Gur A Baradharaw Kod Sea and Land Council Torres Strait Islander Corporation (“GBK”) is the peak body of all Registered Native Title Bodies Corporates (“PBCs”) across the Torres and Endeavour Straits – representing the collective interests of the regions’ Traditional Owners, and providing an avenue to respond and have input into policy and program development.
GBK is a not-for-profit organisation that was registered with the Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations (“ORIC”) in 2012. GBK is also registered as a charitable organisation.
All 21 PBCs within the five nation groups Kemer Kemer Meriam, Gudamaluialgal, Maluilgal, Kulkalgal and Kaiwalagal are a member of GBK. Torres Strait and Aboriginal Land trusts are also eligible to become members.
Our organisation is driven by traditional owners. Our aim is to drive initiatives in a strengths-based, community-led approach to enable positive change, improve national statistics of inequality and build sustainable communities.
Yumi Strategic Direction
Keriba Gesep; Ngalpun Mabaygal; Yumi Time.
Our Homeland; Our People; Our Time.
Papek; Minalai Wak.
Working together to keep and safeguard the identity of the peoples of the four winds.
VALUES
Respect: We respect the Ailan Kastoms and Aboriginal Lores of our people and respect the cultural diversity, values, and beliefs of others.
Culture: Yumi Culture is the core of our business. Our decisions and our actions will be guided by our Aboriginal Lore and Ailan Kastoms.
Honesty: We provide a professional and ethical service in accordance with our responsibilities and always demonstrate honesty and integrity.
Unity: We provide a strong and unified voice for traditional owners and our region.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Accountability and transparency: We promote accountability and transparency as a standard of strong governance and good practice for NGOs and peak bodies representing PBCs and native title holders.
Innovation: We are creative in problem solving by putting people and culture at the centre and demonstrate excellence.
Responsiveness: We are responsive to the changing operating environment we work in and the needs of our communities
Environment: We embrace sustainable business practices and promote environmentally sustainable development solutions to minimise our carbon footprint and we operate in a manner to protect our land and sea resources.
Collaboration & Partnership: We have respectful partnerships with our stakeholders and collaborate effectively with our employees, members, and communities to be innovative.
Truth-telling: Sharing our story, history, and culture by having honest conversations and restoring relationships and harmony.
Goals
Strategic Plan
GBK aligns resources to the goals and priorities of its Strategic Plan and is accountable to members for performance.
OWNERS voice
Provide an authentic and authoritative voice for traditional owners and the laws of the peoples of the region.
native title service
Provide an independent, culturally appropriate, and responsive native title service for our region.
Capacity Building
Build capacity of Registered Native Title Body Corporations (PBCs) to become self-sufficient to meet native title and community development needs.
Protect & Promote
Protect and promote sustainable management of the environment and resources of the region.
Employment
Operate traditional owner led employment and training services – Meriba Ged Ngalpun Mab – to increase economic outcomes for our region.
Partnership
Stronger, respectful, and enduring partnerships for First Nations Peoples with stakeholders to achieve economic, social, and cultural development for our region.
Education
Educate our people and our partners about the importance of native title and the laws and kastoms of our peoples.
Climate Change
Taking urgent action on climate change so that we can support the needs of the present and future generations.
GBK Directors
| Badu Ar Mua Migi Lagal (Torres Strait Islanders) Corporation RNTBC | Saila Savage (Alternate) |
| Dauanalgaw (Torres Strait Islanders) Corporation RNTBC | Torenzo Elisala |
| Erubam Le Traditional Land and Sea Owners Corporation RNTBC | Jimmy Gela |
| Garboi (Torres Strait Islanders) Corporation RNTBC | Nazareth Fauid |
| Gebaralgal (Torres Strait Islanders) Corporation RNTBC | Fred Peters |
| Goemulgaw (Torres Strait Islanders) Corporation RNTBC | Johnny Kris |
| Kaurareg Native Title Aboriginal | Milton Savage |
| Kulkalgal (Torres Strait Islanders) Corporation RNTBC | Francis Pearson |
| Magani Lagaugal (Torres Strait Islanders) Corporation RNTBC | Lui Ned David |
| Malu Kiai (Torres Strait Islanders) Corporation RNTBC | Dimas Toby |
| Malu Lamar (Torres Strait Islanders) Corporation RNTBC | Lui Ned David |
| Maluilgal (Torres Strait Islanders) Corporation RNTBC | Keith Pabai |
| Masigalgal (Torres Strait Islanders) Corporation RNTBC | John Morris |
| Mer Gedkem Le (Torres Strait Islanders) Corporation RNTBC | Falen Passi |
| Mualgal (Torres Strait Islanders) Corporation RNTBC | Iona Cyril Manas |
| Mura Badulgal (Torres Strait Islanders) Corporation RNTBC | George Morseu |
| Porumalgal (Torres Strait Islanders) Corporation RNTBC | Susan Billy |
| Saibai Mura Buway (Torres Strait Islanders) Corporation RNTBC | Herbert Warusam |
| Ugar Ged Kem Le Zeuber Er Kep Le Corporation RNTBC | Seriako Stephen |
| Urapun Tubudalgal Land Trust | Manual Tony Peters |
| Wakeyama (Torres Strait Islanders) Corporation RNTBC | David Ned David |
| Warraberalgal (Torres Strait Islanders) Corporation RNTBC | Kabay Tamu |