In February 2022, The White Feather Foundation commenced an emergency campaign to help the Aboriginal tribe who inspired our charity defend the Native Title to their sea country in Australia.
Since then, our community has raised just over 40% of the total goal of $100,000 to support their efforts. We’re pleased to report that the findings in fact from the trial were issued recently.
The Mirning sent this update:

“The findings were a huge win for us traditional coastal people of the Billia Mocalba, Great Australian Bight!
Following the trial in 2022-23, the Federal Court handed down findings of fact which answer the question “who has native title in the sea claim area?”. There is now no doubt that we, the Mirning People who are descendants of the pre-colonial coastal ancestors, hold native title in at least the accessible areas of the sea.
Consistent with the case presented by our Mirning Elders, the Court rejected:
• the State’s and Commonwealth’s defence that there was no native title at all;
• the Applicant’s claim that non-coastal apical ancestors and their descendants have native title;
• that spouses acquire native title merely by marriage;
• that being born near the claim area confers native title;
• that there is Tjurkurpa-based (western desert) native title in the sea;
Each one of these points is a huge win for us, especially when traditional Mirning People are such a minority group and need to be heard and respected in protecting Country.
We wish to honour the Elders who have passed during these long years and the ancestors who came before, entrusting us with this incredible legacy. This includes Mirning Elder Iris Burgoyne (deceased), who handed the white feather to Julian Lennon, who has since honoured and supported Indigenous peoples globally through his White Feather Foundation.
We wish to acknowledge the professional team who stand with us, sharing their skills at generous rates and those of great heart who financially make this possible. Paying legal fees is not always the preferred choice, though yadonga (thank you) for having the vision to see the significance this has for future generations and Country.
We ask that those of you who can, please continue to stand with us and support us to see this through. Our vision is for Mirning traditional governance of the Malegji, Mirning Council of Elders to continue for protecting future generations and Country. Caring with kindness and love for our land and sea and all the creatures who call this home. Passing this way of life on to future generations so that they continue the ways of our ancestors, who have cared for the Country from the beginning of time.
Our ancestors know all who are standing with us, so that future generations will inherit, enjoy and share what continues to be yardiji – complete, pristine and beautiful. Please celebrate in spirit with us wherever you are and know that you are in our hearts.”


All photos courtesy of The Mirning People (2025).
Photo 1: Mirning Sea Country at Miranangu, Head of the Bight
Photo 2: Mirning Elders
Photo 3: Yerlaka Mirning Children Playing on the Beach
Though the court case is now in the tenure analysis phase, there are still enormous expenses associated with the proceedings that have not yet been reconciled, so we are continuing our campaign to help eliminate the financial burden for this beloved group. You can make a contribution today by visiting our Save the Mirning Sea Country campaign page.