Jim Everett Puralia Meenamatta was born in 1942 on Flinders Island, Lutruwita/Tasmania. He is Plangermairreenner – a clan of the Cape Portland nation in north-east Lutruwita.

Jim left school at 14 and his working life includes 15 years as a fisherman and merchant seaman, Australian Regular Army for 3 years, and over 50 years formal involvement in the Aboriginal Struggle.

He has a long history in Aboriginal Affairs, in government and Aboriginal community organisations, and has travelled Australia and overseas visiting many First Nations communities.

Jim began writing poetry at an early age. He wrote his first play, We Are Survivors, in 1984 and produced, directed and acted in it. Later that decade he was the first permanent producer of ABC’s Blackout (now called Message Stick) and produced the 1988 bicentennial celebration protest documentary One People Sing Freedom.

His written works include plays, political and academic papers and short stories. Jim has produced and been associate producer of many documentary films. He is published in a range of major anthologies.

He celebrated his 80th birthday at Nayri Niara’s former LongHouse in Nipaluna and told Koori Mail, at the time, he’d lost count of how many times he’s been gaoled for activism, with no regrets. “I’d do it again. I WILL do it again” (full article here).

In 2024, at 81, he graduated with a Masters degree in Aboriginal philosophy and was named Tasmanian NAIDOC Aborigine of the Year. Later that year, he was awarded Environmentalist of the Year by Bob Brown Foundation.

Jim lives on Cape Barren Island writing and maintaining involvement in cultural arts nationally. He is a much loved and respected Elder and leader, highly sought-after public speaker, staunch political activist and campaigner for his people and Country.

Artwork Stephanie Marygold; all photos © Jillian Mundy. Many images first appeared in Koori Mail.