Charles Passi was born into the traditional responsibility of land ownership and the preservation of cultural traditions in both Mer and Erub islands in the Torres Strait. He draws his interpretations from his deep cultural connections, through his birthright as a proud Meriam and the eldest son of Dave and Lena Passi. He believes that sharing this culture of communal sharing of responsibility and respect will help heal the dysfunctions in our world as its earthly philosophies are based on ensuring positive relationships between ourselves and with all within our environment. He embraces the challenge to influence and participate in leading Aboriginal Affairs in this country to new and profound heights of positive connection and representation.

As an Adjunct Associate Professor at University of Queensland, and a former member of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory group to the Domestic and Family Violence Implementation Council (Qld), and former Chair of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Healing Foundation, Charles believes in his abilities as a visionary and with his experience and insight has committed himself to the redevelopment of current practices in providing real and sustainable positive solutions to the issues plaguing our people, culture and communities. He is currently recognised as an Eminent Person working closely with the Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, in the development of the Queensland Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk’s commitment to legally recognizing Torres Strait Islander traditional adoption practices.

 Charles’s father, the Late Dave Passi, was one of the successful litigants in the “Mabo and Others” High Court Case decision of 1992.