Talking Noongar
Language is an important part of any culture. Noongar is the official language of the Aboriginal people of the south-west of Western Australia.
Aboriginal Culture and Heritage
Gnullar kaditj nitja Whadjuk Noongar boodjar. Gnullar Canning moort wongi nitja kura wiern, yeye birdiyah, moort, koolingah koorliny nitja gennuniy yirra nitja boodjar Djarlgarro Beelier. Gnullar barruniny baal marr wort koorliny.
We understand that this is Whadjuk Noongar country. Our Canning family speak to the people and spirits of yesterday and the current leaders, families and children who still move and look over this place along the lands of the Canning River. We hope to move forward hand in hand together.
The City is situated in the traditional lands of the Noongar people, who are the traditional owners and custodians of the south-west of Western Australia for roughly 45,000 years. Noongar boodjar (country) extends from north of Jurien Bay, inland to north of Moora and down to the southern coast between Bremer Bay and east of Esperance. It is defined by 14 different areas with 14 dialectal groups. Whadjuk is the name of the dialectal group from the Perth area in which Canning is situated. Their knowledge and respect for country, which has been passed down by generations is deeply respected and acknowledged by the City.
Quick Facts
- 1.3% of the City identify as Noongar, Aboriginal and/ or Torres Strait Islander peoples.
- The Whadjuk Noongar name for the Canning River is the Djarlgarro Beelier
- Each year the City celebrates such important dates like NAIDOC Week and National Reconciliation Week which celebrate the history, culture and achievements of our Whadjuk Noongar, Noongar and wider Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Canning and beyond.
- Canning is home to various Whadjuk, Noongar and wider Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, businesses and community groups.
- The City is on a journey of reconciliation and has made the first step in developing a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). To find out more about reconciliation visit Reconciliation Australia.
Learn More
Did you know that the City's Libraries has an extensive Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Collection? Visit the Canning Libraries website to find our more about the beautiful and inspiring stories available to borrow and reserve across all four of our locations, that celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Learn more about Noongar culture and heritage:
Time of Creation
The Djarlgarro Beelier (Canning River) was created by the spiritual ancestor of the Noongar, the Waugal, a serpent-like spirit who was responsible for the creation of Djarlgarro and all the rivers, waterholes, lakes, valleys and landforms on its journey from inland Western Australia to the ocean.
Plants of Country
Nature, especially plants, play a key role in Noongar culture, food and medicine.
Birds of Country
Noongar people have a deep respect for Djirda (birds) and the role they play within their spirit and physical world and environment.
Learn with Noongar elders, Marie Taylor and Robyn Collard
During NAIDOC Week in 2020 the City had the pleasure of filming five educational and meaningful videos from our Eco Education Centre at Kent Street Weir, next to the Djarlgarro Beelier (Canning River).
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