A few weeks back, I ventured to Slab City with two other IC comm/art interns to explore the desert and see what life off the grid actually means. Slab City is a community who has decided to live differently. Named after the concrete slabs that were left after the deconstruction of a former army base, a community ranging from art crowds to those seeking an alternative to modern economics have made it their home. What we found made us realize how detached we were from simple living and how roles in life can change when you’re taken out of  modern culture. So when I stumbled upon photos from 2011 of  a community referred to as the last sea nomads, I immediately began researching the Bajau Laut.

For centuries, the community of Malay has lived solely off of what the ocean provides within The Coral Triangle. Several indigenous communities live off the coasts of islands in this area but the Bajau Laut are some of the last true marine nomads, having lived almost entirely at sea their whole lives. Photojournalist James Morgan spent eight months on assignment for WWF exploring their traditional habits, their travels, and their role in adapting to modern culture. Although many have been forced to migrate to land or choose to live in stilt villages over the ocean, some continue to live on long boats referred to as lepa lepa. From a young age, the Bajau become acquainted with the ocean, even rupturing their ear drums early on so it becomes easier to dive deeper into the ocean.

In the months Morgan captured their experience, he took note of how the shift from traditional fishing methods to modern techniques was used to keep up with the fish trade in Indonesia in order to sell to fish export companies. At the time, nets and lines were still being utilized but homemade fertilizer bombs and potassium cyanide were also being used to fish. Ultimately, destroying the reefs they depend on. In his work, Morgan highlights the Bajau’s relationship with the ocean with hopes of facilitating the community with ways to conserve the culture and marine environment they call home. Check out some mesmerizing photos below and [here]:

Bajau Laut youth, Enal, with his pet shark.Bajau Laut in the Coral Triangle Bajau Laut The Coral TriangleBajau use handmade spear guns to fish in The Coral Triangle The last of the sea nomadsStilt communities in The Coral TriangleBajau Laut in a Mosque A Bajau Laut native eats dinner on his lepa lepaLepa Lepa in the coral triangleStilt community of the Bajau Laut Baju Laut fishingHong Kong's fish trade is prime reason why the Bajau have shifted to modern fishing techniques.

Although these images are from a few years back, the stories, community, and culture that were captured are timeless. And on the note of community, have you looked into our community rooted in liberty, peace, and justice? Join us at the Fourth Estate Summit.

(Photo credit: James Morgan)