We Are Country, Country Is Us
We assert the First Nations traditional concept of Law in Country and that We Are Law Keepers of Country. Or more direct: We Are Country, Country Is Us.
Happy Birthday Uncle Jim
Poet, writer, activist, storyteller and Elder Jim Everett puralia meenamatta is celebrating his 83rd birthday this week.
With a kind heart and critical mind, Uncle Jim has been a source of inspiration for countless people with his impassioned call to Protect Country.
For over 50 years Uncle Jim has stood for land, people and culture. His generous storytelling, with fierce actions, has softened many hearts and opened many minds.
This time last year he was arrested asserting his cultural obligation to Protect Country, calling for an end to the slaughter of native forests in Lutruwita and the protection of intact relational ecosystems that support All-Life.
Uncle Jim Everett has been taking the colonial courts on, asserting they have no jurisdiction over him as a Law Keeper, and protecting Palawa Law in Country.
He has endured hardships and political setbacks but still continues to stand with dignity and courage.
Happy Birthday Uncle Jim, we stand with you.
Click here for more of Uncle Jim’s story and images from his life so far.
Artwork Stephanie Marygold; photo of Uncle Jim’s Bradys Lake coup arrest on his 82nd birthday by Jillian Mundy
Jim Everett puralia meenamatta
I am a Plangermairreenner from Meenamatta Country in the north-east Midlands of Lutruwita/Tasmania.
Law in Country is what governs me, and I do what I do because it’s the truth. I stand firm on our Law in Country.
I do not recognise any colonial authority over me because I am not an Australian citizen. I am a Palawa First Nation citizen and the Australian-British colonial laws that I challenge have no jurisdiction to arrest me for defending my Law in Country from ongoing destruction of our natural world.
portrait Jillian Mundy; mangana Eric Woehler; #StandWithUncJim #TellTheTruth
