City releases first-of-its-kind document

The City of Canning has published a groundbreaking new reference guide for observing and respecting Noongar cultural protocols and practices in Canning.

Respect for Noongar Cultural Protocols and Practices provides important guidance for the City’s Elected Members, staff, volunteers and the broader Canning community when it comes to understanding Noongar protocols and engaging Elders and Traditional Custodians to perform cultural ceremonies like a Welcome to Country, Smoking Ceremony and Kep Ceremony. 

Developed in consultation with the City of Canning’s Pilot First Nations Advisory Panel, the document seeks to help build cultural understanding and respect within the Canning community. 

“The City has deep respect for the cultural knowledge, ceremonies, protocols and practices of the Whadjuk Noongar and Noongar peoples,” explained City of Canning Deputy Mayor Mark Bain. “As far as we know, it’s the first document of its kind and it is my hope that fellow local government organisations will learn more about First Nations cultural protocols.

“This document will help the City, and others who choose to use it, observe cultural protocols in the most respectful manner.”

“We would like to thank Aunty Millie Penny AM, Uncle Richard Walley OAM, Aunty Cheryl Phillips, Margaret Drayton, Angela Ryder, Jacinda Blurton and Wayne McNamara for their cultural guidance and input into the co-design of this document”.

The Respect for Noongar Cultural Protocols and Practices document was endorsed by the City of Canning Council earlier this month and officially launched on the opening day of National Reconciliation Week. It is available for viewing and download on the City of Canning’s Reconciliation webpage.

The document’s guidance covers best practice for how the City and the community can respectfully engage with Noongar Elders, ceremonies, Country and events, while providing a deeper understanding of traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander customs, such as Men’s and Women’s Business, Sorry Business and Nyitting/Dreamtime.  

“We are very proud of the document and its practical application,” explained Deputy Mayor Bain. “I encourage everyone to read it.”