Uncle Pabai and Uncle Paul are community leaders from the Guda Maluyligal Nation in Zenadth Kes (the Torres Strait) fighting to save their home from the impacts of climate change. They have bravely taken their case to the full Federal Court, calling on the Australian Government to act on its duty to protect Torres Strait Islanders from the harms of climate change and the destruction of their home.
“Climate change is already here: storm surges are getting worse and the seasons have changed as well. Our gardens now get flooded with salt water, and our homes, cemetery, school and community centre are all at risk…If we become climate refugees, we will lose everything: our homes, community, culture, stories, and identity. We can keep our stories and tell our stories but we won’t be connected to Country because Country will disappear.” – Uncle Paul
“Climate change is already here: storm surges are getting worse and the seasons have changed as well. Our gardens now get flooded with salt water, and our homes, cemetery, school and community centre are all at risk.” Uncle Paul
For thousands of years, Uncle Pabai and Uncle Paul’s Indigenous ancestors have lived on the islands. But now, climate change, caused by greedy oil and coal corporations may destroy this way of life, and traditional knowledge systems, cultural practices, and spiritual connections that have been passed down from generation to generation could be broken forever.
Communities in Australia and around the world face these impacts every day.
Uncle Pabai and Uncle Paul are back in Naarm (Melbourne) for a Federal Court hearing this July, and we can show we’re with them every heroic step of the way.
Help us put together a show of community support for Uncle Pabai and Uncle Paul, by adding your support via our handy tool. We’ll turn it into a collage to let them know that people across Australia – and from around the world – are standing with them at this important hearing.
