Two Kaartdijiny Boodja events to celebrate learning from Country last month brought people together to explore the local landscape’s cultural and environmental significance.
Noongar elder Carol Petterson led the first event on January 5 along the Kwoorabup River Trail with Angela and Andrew Dickinson and Regi Peppin.
Aunty Carol’s teachings on listening to Country invited participants to tune their senses to the quiet language of the land, a language that is felt, not just heard.
In Noongar ways, every part of the land – the river, trees and birds – is alive, full of spirit and deserves respect.
Andrew led a walk and Angela nature-based games.
Andrew highlighted nesting sites for endangered black cockatoos in the karri and marri trees and spoke about the conservation practices of South Coast Bush Carers over many years.
Afterwards, a communal weaving of many threads were woven together into one piece, symbolising the interconnectedness of all things.
Aunty Averil Dean, Lindsay Dean and Lindsay Jr guided the second event on January 27 at Springdale Tunnel.
Participants learned the history of the inlet, an area abundant in resources and fresh water, which has sustained thousands of years of occupation.
Stories of the land’s spirit and significance were shared, fostering a deeper appreciation of place.
During the walks, participants shared their own stories, with one reflecting on how a casual exchange with a geologist opened up a new way of seeing the world – how the landscape could be read like a book through the language of stone.
The sharing of stories and culture brought connection, wonder and a rare sense of peace. Andrew and Angela offered more environmental insights, while local artist Freya Parre outlined her approach to listening to Country through art.
Freya demonstrated painting with natural pigments and using her body as a paintbrush, encouraging participants to explore found materials and to become immersed in the creative process.
Participant Deborah Rice said acknowledging Noongar culture on Australia Day weekend and showing respect and understanding was special.
Both events were a celebration of place, culture and spirit, inviting everyone to deepen their connection with Country and with each other.
Through listening and creating, everyone was reminded that the land was a living entity and if they were willing to listen and learn, its wisdom would guide us all.
The events received support from the Shire of Denmark and the Denmark Environment Centre.
This article appeared in the Denmark Bulletin, 6 February 2025.
