Michael Passi: Preserving Meriam stories and culture

Michael Passi, a proud Torres Strait Islander man from Murray Island (Mer) and founder of Passi Indigenous Consultancy, is dedicated to keeping the voices of his people strong across generations. As a storyteller, cultural leader, and educator, he uses storytelling to connect cultures, strengthen identity, and preserve the rich heritage of the Meriam people.

The power of storytelling in Torres Strait Islander culture

For the Meriam people, storytelling is a vital tool for cultural continuity and transgenerational learning.

Stories passed down by Elders share:

• Knowledge of sea country and natural environments
• Cultural values and life lessons
• Deep connections to land, sea, and community.

Through narratives of saltwater creatures, seabirds, canoes, the sun, moon, and stars, these stories guide everyday life and reinforce respect for the natural world.

The Story of Nageg and Geigi

One powerful Meriam story is of Nageg and Geigi, a mother and son from the Dauereb tribe of Mer.

Geigi ignores his mother’s warnings.

Their actions transform them into the Triggerfish and Giant Trevally (GT).

The story explains the behaviour of the Giant Trevally, often seen in shallow waters around Mer, Dauar, and Waier.

This story teaches the importance of:

• Listening to Elders
• Respecting cultural knowledge
• Understanding the connection between people and nature.

The Giant Trevally’s movement—splashing among sardine schools—reflects Geigi’s playful yet disobedient nature, reinforcing the story’s lesson.

Bridging two worlds

Growing up between Mer and Cloncurry, Michael Passi developed a unique ability to navigate Torres Strait Islander cultural traditions as well as life on mainland Australia.

This dual perspective allows him to communicate cultural knowledge in ways that resonate with diverse audiences, making his work both accessible and impactful.

Building understanding through cultural education

Michael has worked with government agencies, community organisations as well as schools and educational institutions to help foster:

• Cultural understanding
• Respectful engagement
• Meaningful collaboration.

By encouraging others to listen to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices, he helps build strong partnerships grounded in trust and mutual respect.

Why these stories matter

Traditional Meriam storytelling reminds us that:

• Land and sea are central to identity and heritage, not just resources
• Cultural knowledge connects past, present, and future
• We are all interconnected with the natural world.

Keeping culture strong for future generations

Through his work as a cultural custodian, Michael Passi ensures that Torres Strait Islander traditions continue to thrive. By sharing ancestral stories in contemporary ways, he inspires people from all backgrounds to appreciate one of the world’s oldest continuing cultures.

Photography by Michael Passi