
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.
BREAKING (3 April 2025): Ruth Langford Tipruthanna arrested again protecting Country.
Police evicted forest defenders and arrested Yorta Yorta and Dja Dja Wurrung woman Ruth Langford during a protest condemning native forest logging in Tasmania’s ancient yellow gum stands on the western side of Kunanyi / Mt Wellington range.
“I am acting to uphold my cultural obligation to protect Country. Country that encompasses the natural systems and cycles that provide for us all. I am choosing to not simply stand by and watch the destruction of one of the few intact native forests left in south east Lutruwita.
It’s imperative that we change the archaic logging practices to ensure that we protect our water catchments and that we choose a way that makes better economic sense.
Law in Country continues to exist across this continent. It has never been extinguished and never ceded. If you live on this Country you are obligated, under this pre-existing Law, to protect nature. No colonial law can alter this truth and responsibility.
We are all obligated to uphold this Law and protect Country. I am simply honouring my responsibility.”
Image Bob Brown Foundation
Ruth Langford Tipruthanna, Cody Gangell, Carleeta Thomas protect Country, Eastern Tiers Lutruwita/Tasmania, 21 January 2025.
Footage Ramji Ambrosiussen/Bob Brown Foundation
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