Respect for Noongar Cultural Protocols and Practices

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website and document may contain images and names of deceased persons.

A comprehensive guide for community

The Respect for Noongar Cultural Protocols and Practices document has been developed with respected Noongar Elders and others to guide how our community can observe and show respect towards Noongar cultural protocols and practices. 

Reconciliation is built on respect, truth and relationships. As a culturally diverse community, it is important to develop a basic understanding of First Nations cultural protocols and practices of the Whadjuk Noongar peoples in the City of Canning so respect can be demonstrated.

Understanding Noongar cultural protocols and practices

Learn about important Noongar cultural ceremonies such as a Welcome to Country, Smoking Ceremony and Kep (Water) Ceremony, who can perform them and when. Advice for what to consider when engaging an Elder to deliver a cultural ceremony or ceremonies is also included.

An Acknowledge of Country can be delivered by anyone to show respect to traditional custodians, their Elders and the Boodjar (land). This document provides detailed advice about who, when, what and how to give an Acknowledgement of Country.

This guide helps to build a basic understanding and is not to take away from the opportunity for actual in-person connections and discussions (yarning) with Aboriginal peoples.  

Comprehensive and very useful advice – as an example responding to a Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country

What separates this document from others is the level of comprehensive advice provided and uniqueness on topics such as how to respond to a Welcome to Country or Acknowledgement of Country when given.

For example, in practice, multiple speakers at events may provide their own Acknowledgement of Country believing their demonstrating respect. This group of Elders, led by advice on this matter from Uncle Richard Walley shared that repeated Acknowledgements of Country are not necessary following the initial Welcome to Country as an Elder has already performed spiritual cleansing and foundation setting. This may diminish the Elders welcome and simply saying ‘thank you Aunty or Uncle for their welcome’ would demonstrate sufficient respect. Similarly, delivering subsequent Acknowledgement of Country at the same meeting or event, by multiple speakers is not required because the foundation setting of where we are and who are the Traditional Custodians does not need to be set again, and respect has already been shown.

Content within this document is likely to challenge our existing understanding, our behaviours and invites community to learn and grow together. 

Use of information beyond the City of Canning

This document was primarily developed to support the City of Canning and its community, yet this document may be used beyond Canning. Noongar Elders acknowledged that these Noongar cultural protocols may differ to other Noongar groups providing cultural advice and that this is a living document.

The City of Canning recognises that the cultural content and traditional knowledge described in the document remains the collective heritage and cultural responsibility of the Whadjuk Noongar and Noongar communities.

Contents within this document are welcome to be used and referenced.

The document was endorsed unanimously by Council at its Ordinary Council Meeting on 19 May 2026.

Pilot First Nations Advisory Panel

This document was developed as part of the City of Canning’s Pilot First Nations Advisory Panel. The City of Canning sincerely thanks the generous sharing of knowledge and gentle engagement through the developmental process. Members included (Aunty) Dr Millie Penny AM, Aunty Cheryl Phillips, Margaret Drayton, Angela Ryder, Jacinda Blurton and Wayne McNamara with invited special guest (Uncle) Dr Richard Walley OAM. Members pictured below with Mayor Patrick Hall, CEO Michael Littleton and City of Canning staff.