In this episode, I sit down with proud Meuram woman Lala Gutchen from Erub island in the Torres Strait — a language teacher, diver, and climate advocate whose life’s work is rooted in protecting Country.

We met at the First Nations Clean Energy Summit on Kabi Kabi Country, where Lala shared her story about preserving language, culture, and Sea Country in the face of rising tides and corporate development. From teaching her people’s first language, Erub Mer, to giving evidence in court alongside her parents to defend her homeland, Lala reminds us that caring for Country isn’t just environmental work — it’s cultural survival.

Together, we yarn about the Torres Strait 8, youth leadership, the importance of elders’ guidance, and how connection to Country keeps language alive. Lala’s words are powerful and grounding — a reminder that protecting the planet begins with listening to those who live closest to it.

🎧 Tune in to hear a deeply moving conversation about family, resistance, and hope — and why, as Lala says, “Country breathes the language to us.”

Resources & Links

First Nations Clean Energy Network
Learn more about the movement bringing mob together to shape a clean energy future.
https://www.firstnationscleanenergy.org.au

Torres Strait 8 Campaign
Read about the landmark human rights case led by Torres Strait Islanders to hold the Australian Government accountable for climate inaction.
https://ourislandsourhome.com.au

Erub Island
Information about Erub, its people, and culture from Torres Strait Regional Authority.
https://www.tsra.gov.au/the-torres-strait/community-profiles/erub

Ben & Jerry’s – Protect the Islands Campaign
How the global ice cream brand partnered with the Torres Strait 8 to raise awareness about rising sea levels.
https://www.benandjerry.com.au/values/issues-we-care-about/climate-justice/torres-strait

Koori Mail
Australia’s national Indigenous newspaper covering stories like the Torres Strait 8 and climate justice.
https://koorimail.com

The Black Magic Woman Podcast is hosted by Mundanara Bayles and is an uplifting conversational style program featuring mainly Aboriginal guests and explores issues of importance to Aboriginal people and communities.  Mundanara is guided by Aboriginal Terms of Reference and focusses more on who people are rather than on what they do.

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