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Elders Meet on Common Ground

Noongar elders from the Menang and Wardandi people gathered in Denmark recently to share their knowledge with community members.

Apr 01, 2021 | Read Time : 1 minute

About 200 people met at Kwoorabup Park on the banks of the Denmark River and had the opportunity to ask questions of the two groups of elders.
Menang elder Vernice Gillies said the meeting reflected traditional practices of the groups, who would have gathered by the Wilson Inlet in spring to catch fish and maintain cultural connections.

Ms Gillies welcomed the reintroduction of the gathering, initiated by Green Skills Denmark. Water quality in the Wilson Inlet was a focus for all parties at the gathering.

Audience members, including Denmark school students, asked questions of the elders and received answers detailing their knowledge of the place and the natural environment.

Ms Gillies said holding the gathering in Denmark emphasised the unity between different groups of Noongar people.

The GSDC is committed to supporting Noongar people in the South West Native Title Settlement, which encompasses claims in five agreements, including the Wagyl Kaip and Southern Noongar Agreement which takes in the Great Southern.