Topic:
Noongar Boodja
Learning Noongar through Connection to Country
Natalie Cordon delights in teaching Noongar language at Ravensthorpe, in an area that's crucial to Gondwana Link’s 1000-kilometre-long ecological program. Noongar is an oral language that comes from Boodja (Country), says Natalie, and "you've got to teach the connection between the language and Country - that’s where the words come from.". Her story demonstrates the joy and learning that come from this approach. Actually, there’s a depth to this teaching that we can all learn from!
Ambitious new plan taking shape at Wilyun Pools Farm
Sylvia Leighton celebrates a bold new future for the family’s farm at Wellstead. Those who worked with Sylvia and her partner Peter McKenzie to create and implement this change include a capital investor, a Noongar group, a carbon organisation and an ecological program. Sylvia showcases their perspectives to portray the thinking, teamwork and challenges behind the roll-out of this ambitious project.
Lynette Knapp and Alison Lullfitz walking together on Country
Aunty Lynette Knapp and Dr Alison Lullfitz are colleagues and friends who collaborate on Walking Together, a four year UWA Albany research project. Lynette and Alison are walking and talking together on the bush property where Alison lives beside the Marra (Pallinup River), at Boxwood Hill. Connection to Country is a strong thread in their […]
Committed environment campaigner from beginning
Margaret's journey in environmental advocacy began at Yarrak, her family farm near Kojonup, where her father instilled in her a deep respect for the land.
Yarning about fire
This story offers so much! It is a heart-warming yet serious yarn that shines more light on a way forward with fire. Here's Uncle Aden: "Kaarl (fire) was always part of our life ... We had a good life in camps and the kaarl made sure we were alright. We had all the comforts thanks to the fire." Join Uncle Aden Eades, Aunty Eliza Woods and PhD student Ursula Rodrigues as they sit and yarn about fire.
Aunty Averil Dean: Rich rewards from family, culture and country
Averil is immensely proud of her Noongar culture, and teaching school children about it has been an important part of her life. Growing up in a strong, loving family, Averil’s home life was happy. But during this time, she knows that older family members were experiencing major oppression, and she remembers the painful school yard taunt of ‘nigger’.
Ezzard Flowers: Power drawn from his reconnection with country
Ezzard’s life began with family, culture and being on country, but he became a member of the Stolen Generation when he was taken from family at age eight and placed in missions for six years. Reconnecting with his family and country and the importance of working together for Mother Boodja are moving and powerful threads in Ezzard's story.
Art, poetry and their place in an ancient landscape
Bill Bunbury OAM speaks to artist NIKKI GREEN and poet RENEÉ PETTITT-SCHIPP about their award-winning imagery and words and how they engage us with both the region’s ancient landscapes and the challenge of managing human impacts. Their works also reflect respect for the land’s Noongar Custodians.
Sayah Drummond: a refreshing perspective on making a difference
"I am a 'people person', so working with the community and working with passionate people is just really energising ... I’ve learned that a lot of environmental recovery is done by volunteers because they care, they make the effort to learn, and they truly make a difference to their little patch."
Giving fire back to Goreng Country
"Uncle Aden Eades articulated the Elders were feeling like their “tyres were going flat” and their presence was token. This conversation centred on the need to properly fund a thorough cultural assessment before any burn."
Ezzard Flowers: Reconnection and collaboration
As a child, Ezzard was taken from family and placed in a mission. Years later he faced the challenge of reconnecting to family and country, and charting his life. Now he’s a Noongar Elder with a powerful story about working together for Mother boodja - country.
Aunty Carol Pettersen shares her connection to Boodja
A Menang-Gnudju Elder, Aunty Carol Pettersen OAM JP has dedicated her life to Indigenous affairs, serving as a Justice of the Peace for 35 years and receiving numerous accolades, including the National NAIDOC Female Elder of the Year in 2008 and a Medal of the Order of Australia in 2022. Aunty Carol shares her deep connection to Boodja, or country. She emphasizes the importance of land, where stories of creation are woven into the landscape. Guided by the rhythms of flora and fauna, Aunty Carol learned the wisdom of her ancestors, passing down this knowledge through generations. Despite the challenges posed by colonial policies and environmental changes, she actively participates in land restoration efforts. She has witnessed the revitalization of the landscape and the return of native species, forging a powerful bond between her family and their country. For Aunty Carol, caring for Boodja is not just a duty; it is a source of identity and belonging.
Landcare family has passion for sustainable farming
Sylvia Leighton’s journey began in 1965 when her family arrived on a property teeming with native bushland, a stark contrast to the agricultural landscape that emerged through years of clearing. As a child, Sylvia and her siblings were pivotal in clearing and transforming the land to farm sheep, an experience that instilled a profound sense of responsibility within her. "Returning to this farm as an adult felt necessary," she reflects. "I wanted to rebuild the biodiversity we had lost." Alongside her partner Peter, Sylvia is dedicated to rehabilitating Wilyun Pools Farm, nurturing the once threatened ecosystems. They have transformed 110 hectares into thriving wildlife corridors, enriching habitats with over 30 native plant species. "We hope to create a legacy of biodiversity," she explains, acknowledging the intricate dance of nature and the knowledge she has acquired over the years. Sylvia’s collaboration with local Noongar Elders highlights her commitment to understanding and respecting the land’s cultural heritage. Their efforts aim not just for restoration but for sustainable coexistence with the environment, ensuring that future generations inherit a vibrant, healthy landscape. "Our long-term vision is to harmonize food production with ecological integrity," she states, embodying a deep respect for both nature and community.
Eugene Eades: Coming back to Country
Eugene Eades has transformed Nowanup into a beacon of hope through extraordinary leadership, welcoming thousands to engage with the land. Central to his journey is a deep connection to Noongar culture and a commitment to learning from his Elders. Since 2005, he has focused on restoring the land, emphasising its cultural significance and ecological health. Under his guidance, the 754-hectare Nowanup property has been rejuvenated, providing habitats for wildlife and becoming a “Bush University” for both Noongar and non-Indigenous people. Eugene's programs, including cultural plantings and a Ranger team, emphasize collaboration and healing, encapsulated in the motto “Healing Land, Healing People.” Over 16,000 visitors have participated in workshops and camps, fostering cross-cultural connections. Eugene envisions a world awakened by the shared stories and experiences at Nowanup, where the land teaches people about care and responsibility.
Carol Pettersen: Storylines
This is the compelling story of Carol Pettersen, a Menang-Ngadju Elder. Aunty Carol was born at the Gnowangerup Mission and raised in the bush around Jerramungup with her family, which she describes as “one of the most glorious times of my life”. She has spent much of her life in the Albany area, on her traditional country and her story offers many cultural insights.
Eugene Eades: Coming back to Country
Eugene Eades is a Goreng - Menang Elder, and since 2006 he has played a pivotal role in creating a powerful healing and cross-cultural gathering place on a former farm, now called Nowanup.
Lynette Knapp and Alison Lullfitz: Connecting on Country
Lynette Knapp is a Merningar Elder and Adjunct Research Fellow and Dr Alison Lullfitz, is a Research Associate, both at the University of Western Australia.
Linking modern science with Indigenous knowledge to care for the land
Robyn Williams from The Science Show interviews Stephen Hopper, Professor of Biodiversity about linking modern science with Indigenous knowledge to care for country.
A conversation with Jack Williams and Averil Dean: stories about country
Drawn from a 2004 talk by Noongar Elders Jack Williams and Averil Dean featuring stories about country, including Boola Miyel (Bluff Knoll).
Ancient range reveals totems
WENDY BARRETT talks to Vernice Gillies, Larry Blight and Ron Grey about the powerful connections between the Porongurup Range and the Menang people.
Nowanup: Healing land, healing people
Under the extraordinary leadership and dedication of Elder Eugene Eades, Nowanup has become a beacon of hope, a force for cross-cultural sharing and a powerful healing place.
Nowanup: Healing country, healing people
This case study from the WA Landcare Network tells the story of the collaboration between the Noongar community and environmental groups that has resulted in Nowanup, a genuinely special place where country is being restored to health and people are coming back to the land.
Healing country on the Gondwana Link
From Greening Australia a short film about the restoration of habitat in the shadow of the Stirling Ranges National Park, in partnership with the Nowanup Rangers.
