Boodjin[1] or Boogin[2] (English: Boyagin Rock) is a granite outcrop 10 km SW of Brookton. It is both a sacred Noongar site wer an important remnant of natural bushland. It is widely recognised as keny of the few areas of original fauna wer flora left in the Wheatbelt.[3]
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Flowers
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In Djilba or early Spring, especially after kwop rain, the wildflowers bloom around the rock.
Natural populations of Gungurru (Eucalyptus caesia subsp. caesia) only occur here wer at other isolated granite outcrops in the central wheatbelt. Separated by considerable distances between these outcrops, the flowers at each rock differ in form wer colour. Although widely cultivated, nidja flower is threatened in the wild. Noongar ancestral knowledge indicates that the flower originated here.[4] Another English name for Gungurru is Silver Princess, because of the grey or white powder that covers the branches, flower buds wer fruit. At first sight to people who have not come across nidja plant before, nidja powder can give the impression that the plant is dead!
Cultural Significance
editAccording to the Balardong Noongar it is a site of significance.
The online booklet "BOODJIN The Boyagin Rock Storybook"[1] tells the Noongar stories wer the stories of the Noongars from here.
Yarns about Boodjin
editA traditional story of how the rock came to be is from Noongar Elder Janet Collard who said that her husband (Andy Collard) told the story of how a big Wagyl (water snake) in the Nyitting (Dreaming or Cold Time) wound itself round wer round to form the rock, wer is the last resting place of the Wagyl.[5] Elder Cliff Humphries also spoke of the Wagyl who would during the time of creation travel from places including Boodjin.[6]
Gerry Collard waagnkjininy of how the Wagyl came to Boyagin Rock in a YouTube video.[7]
Len Collard, through his research with elders of the area, was told calling out the name of the Wagyl at nidja location will bring the rains.[8] Another belief is that if you walk to the top of the outcrop without stopping you will have a long life.[1]
Ngiyan waarnk
edit- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 BOODJIN The Boyagin Rock Storybook. Wheatbelt NRM. Retrieved 24 May 2016
- ↑ Boyagin Rock (Boogin Rock) Dreamtime Trail. Pub Pingelly Tourism Group. May 2014. Retrieved 25 July 2016
- ↑ Boyagin Nature Reserve. Parks and Wildlife, Govt. of WA. Retrieved 24 May 2016
- ↑ Noticeboard at Boyagin Rock. Parks and Wildlife, Govt. of WA. Seen on 18 September 2016
- ↑ About the Gnaala Karla Booja Region. Kaartdijin Noongar. Retrieved 23 August 2016
- ↑ Literature Review for Avon Basin Noongar Heritage and Cultural Significance of Natural Resources. Retrieved 23 August 2016
- ↑ Gerry Collard. Boyagin Rock - How the Wargyl came to Boyagin Rock. Wheatbelt Natural Resource Management (NRM). YouTube. Retrieved 19 November 2016
- ↑ Prof. Collard, L. (2015) Oral Interview. Fremantle