Bunna Lawrie – Mirning Elder and Song-Man

It is common knowledge in contemporary Australian society that the extraction process of fossil fuels impacts upon the wellbeing of the biosphere and the rights of indigenous custodians.  The southern oceans hugging the Great Australian Bight is a haven for a vast array of marine life and up to 85% of species are unique to the area.  Indigenous communities such as the Mirning people have been at the forefront in opposing oil extraction operations in the southern oceans, as it embodies the stories of their ancestors and Jeedara, the great white whale.  Jess spoke with Bunna Lawrie, Mirning elder and song-man from the Mirning tribe about protecting culture and the southern oceans from oil exploration.