Wanjoo boodjar is a cultural protocol that has been around since the Nyittiny – beginning of time. The Welcome to Country ceremony is an acknowledgment and recognition of the rights of Noongar people. The act of getting a representative who has traditional local links to a particular place, area or region, is an acknowledgement of respect for traditional owners. It is respect for people, respect for rights and a respect for country. The land, waterways and cultural significant sites are still very important to Noongar people. It is an acknowledgement of the past and provide a safe passage for visitors and a mark of respect.
A Welcome to Country can only be given by someone with traditional links to that country. Otherwise an Acknowledgement of Country can be made to recognise and thank the elders of that country.[1][2]
Wam edit
Noongar wanjoo wam onto their boodjar. The wam nyinniny with the Noongar on the boodjar, noonook and nguny introduce themselves to each other, ngarniny merenj and dartj and wangkiny. Noongar welcome strangers into their country. The wam sit with the Noongar traditional owners on their land, they introduce themselves to each, share some meat and food and talk. Now that everyone are no longer strangers the Noongar might wangkiny a wanjoo boodjar similar to this one:
Kaya noonakoort. Wandjoo, wandjoo, nidja Noongar Boodjar. Nguny djurapin, nguny koort djurapin wangkiny noonakoort. Nyininy, nih wer kaartdjin Noongar wangkiny. Noonakoort kaartdijin wangkiny deman, maam, ngarnk wer boordier kura kura.[3]
- In English Hello everyone. Welcome to Noongar country. I am happy, my heart is happy to be speaking with you all. Sit, listen and learn about Noongar language. We Noongar people were given our knowledge through the oral tradition from our grandfathers, grandmothers, fathers, mothers and Noongar bosses long long ago.[4]
Bullariny wanjoo boodjar edit
Different Noongar families will conduct a wanjoo boodjar according to their own style.
- Whadjuk Simon Forrest:
- Whadjuk traditional owner Professor Len Collard
- Whadjuk Barry McGuire
- Whadjuk yorga Ingrid Cumming
Southwest Aboriginal Land and Sea Council
Characteristics edit
Characteristics for a Wanjoo Boodjar might include: Nyungar language, keniny [dance], music, boorna wangkiny [clapping sticks[, didgeridoo, dancers in traditional dress and or young grandchildren.
Ngiyan waarnk - References edit
- ↑ Joey Watson. "How the Acknowledgment of Country became a core national custom — and why it matters". ABC Radio National. 18 March 2020. Retrieved 19 March 2020
- ↑ Molly Hunt. "Why an Acknowledgement of Country is important (and advice on how to give one)". ABC Life. 23 January 2020. Retrieved 19 March 2020
- ↑ wanjoo boodjar by Sandra Harben(Whadjuk), djilba 2019
- ↑ translation by Sandra Harben, September 2019