Uncle Ben Harry was born on Iama (Yam) Island, of Torres Strait Islands, also known as Turtle-backed Island in English. He is a Traditional Custodian of Yam Island. Uncle Ben is a Torres Strait Community Elder for the Scarred Tree Ministry and St John Anglican Church in Glebe. He is also a panel member of the Youth Koori Court in Surry Hills. He advises judges and the legal system on cultural issues at the Youth Koori Court. Also, Uncle Ben teaches Torres Strait Islander perspectives, cultures, Languages and histories in schools here in NSW and also in the Torres Strait Islands. His research work includes Torres Strait Islander Native Title Claims, Land, sky and sea boundaries focusing on food and climate justice.