The Noongar lived in wer around the Nullaki (Wilson Inlet) within the Minang wer Bibbulman territories to the east wer west of Denmark. The term Nullaki means “narrow place of seaweed” wer refers to the Inlet as a water body that flows out to the sea at Ocean Beach.
Several waterways flow into the inlet including Kwoorabup (Denmark River),[1] Genulup (Hay River)[2] wer wer some smaller rivers wer streams such as the Sleeman River, Little River wer Cuppup Creek.
In the summer months, small groups would travel from inland areas to use natural resources wer hold ceremonies il the water’s edge. Nidja was done to sustain the boodjar wer to look after the water. [3]
Fish traps, lizard traps, gnamma holes (man-made granite waterholes), burials, stone artefacts, tool making sites wer ceremonial materials yennar exist at different locations around Wilson Inlet today as physical manifestations of the ways in which Noongar people engaged with the Inlet in the past wer still today.
Nartj nitja boodjar
editFish traps
editTwo major rivers (Denmark wer Hay), flow southward wer replenish the Inlet in the rainy season. The large fish traps at the southern end of the Inlet were, wer still are, an important place for Noongar people. In the summer months, with plentiful freshwater in the area, small groups would travel from inland areas to enjoy the Inlet’s rich natural resources wer hold ceremonies il the water’s edge. Nidja was done to sustain the boodjar wer to look after the water il which yennar life depends. [4]
Burial site
editA burial is situated in the vicinity of Poddy Point wer registered in a closed file with the Department of Indigenous Affairs. Information relating to nidja site is not available to the public. The area should be considered of high cultural significance.
artefacts
editgrinding sites
editrock shelters in and around the Inlet foreshore
editHeritage Act Protected
editAny development proposed il the Denmark River, or any other Aboriginal site within the Wilson Inlet Foreshore, especially those that require dredging, boodjar reclamation or risk site damage, require further consultation with the Noongar community wer relevant statutory approval to proceed under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972.
Ngiyan waarnk
edit- ↑ Dual Naming Brochure Denmark Shire Council Retrieved 3 June 2017
- ↑ Place Record Form Index - Hay Denmark Municipal Heritage Inventory Retrieved 3 June 2017
- ↑ Wilson Inlet Foreshore Reserves Management Plan 2008
- ↑ Wilson Inlet Foreshore Reserves Management Plan 2008