We acknowledge all First Peoples of this land and celebrate their enduring connections to Country, knowledge and stories. We pay our respects to Elders and Ancestors who watch over us and guide Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
We acknowledge all First Peoples of this land and celebrate their enduring connections to Country, knowledge and stories. We pay our respects to Elders and Ancestors who watch over us and guide Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
First Nations readers are advised the following contains the names of First Nations people who have passed. This article has been written in collaboration with Ephraim’s son, Gabriel Bani.
Adhi Ephraim Bani OAM, popularly known as Ephraim Bani, was born on 2 July 1944 on Mabuyag Island in the Torres Strait. He was the seventh Traditional Chief of Wagadagam, Mabuyag Island, and was referred to as Kuki Gubalayg, which means ‘Son of the Northwest Wind’. Bani was a prominent figure in the Torres Strait community, known for his expertise in linguistics, history and cultural advocacy.
Bani had a diverse range of occupations throughout his life. He was a linguist, historian, and private consultant, specialising in syntactic linguistics. He received his accreditation as a specialist in syntactic linguistics from the University of Calgary in Canada in 1976 and pursued further studies as an MA scholar and tutor at Queensland University from 1977 to 1979. Bani also worked as a lecturer at the School of Australian Linguistics at Darwin Community College from 1974 to 1975.
His research work involved various First Nations languages and dialects, including Gumatji, Lardil, Umpilla, Aurakun, Weipa and Warlpiri. Bani dedicated significant effort to linguistic research in the Torres Strait from 1974 to 1980. He also coined the acronym ‘Zenadth Kes’ to refer to the Torres Strait Islands. The term is an amalgamation of the start of language words that describe the geographical location and features of the islands and region.
Culture and language affiliates with the land, with the sea and with the air. It is the soul identity of the custodian – his birthright and heritage.
Throughout his career, Bani authored several academic papers and publications related to linguistics, gender systems, terminology and the preservation of Torres Strait languages. He presented his work at various conferences and symposiums, contributing to the academic understanding of First Nations languages. In 1976, Bani introduced a new spelling system called EPO (Ephraim's Practical Orthography), which aimed to enhance literacy and language preservation. And in 1991, he presented the morphodirectional sphere for the Western Torres Strait Language.
Bani's contributions extended beyond academia. In 1987, he founded the Torres Strait Annual Cultural Festival, which celebrated and promoted the rich cultural heritage of the Torres Strait Islands. According to Bani’s son Gabriel, this festival was his pride and joy.
Culture will change and adapt, however, we must be very careful that we don’t lose our identity.
His expertise in linguistics and cultural knowledge led to numerous consultancy roles. He served as an official court interpreter and provided consultation services to the Public Prosecution and Supreme Court Judge of Queensland. Bani also served as a cultural advisor on the bench for the Family Court of Australia.
Bani was an active member of various government and non-government organisations. He was a member of the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) since 1974 and served on its council from 1974 to 1980. He was also a board member of the Aboriginal Arts Board of Australia Council and held positions in other committees and organisations dedicated to justice and media representation for Torres Strait Islanders.
In addition to his professional achievements, Bani was involved in filmmaking, documentaries and media. He contributed to the Torres News as a columnist, writing the "Culture Connection" column. Bani also hosted a radio show called "Warupaw UU" (The Echo of Drums) on 4MW Radio.
Bani's work and research materials are archived in the AIATSIS Library, including audio, literature and visual materials. He received several awards and certificates of appreciation for his contributions, including an Australia Day Award for Culture and another for Citizen of the Year from Torres Shire Council. He was also honoured for his services and support to the education department and received awards from various organisations recognising his professionalism and contributions.
Apart from his professional achievements, Bani was a skilled martial artist, holding a 3rd Dan (Degree) Black Belt in Matsumoto Karate. But most importantly, he was a devoted father to his children Adhi Dimple Bani (who has passed), Gabriel Bani and Maure Bani, as well as a loving husband to his wife Petharie Bani.
The past must exist for the present to create the future.
We are a First Nations not-for-profit that exists to centre First Nations people, Country and truth-telling. We acknowledge all First Peoples of this land and celebrate their enduring connections to Country, knowledge and stories. We pay our respects to Elders and Ancestors who watch over us and guide Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
