Brian Cassey, Snow - Torres Strait Elder Saila 'Snow' Savage (PEOPLE & PORTRAIT 2026)

Saila "Snow" Savage is a prominent Torres Strait Island Australia personality and partner to Betty Mabo, daughter of the historic Murray Island figure Eddie Koiki Mabo who famous campaigned and won the fight for Indigenous land rights in Australia. Saila was named 'Snow' by the people in the far north Australian community of Thursday Island because of his snow white hair .. not that many amongst the islanders would have ever seen real snow! I made his portrait during a cultural festival on the island.

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