According to Kaartdijin Noongar – Noongar Knowledge, the word Noongar means ‘a person of the south-west of Western Australia’, or the name for the original inhabitants of the south-west of Western Australia’. While Noongar is identified as a single language, there are several ways of pronouncing it, which is reflected in the spelling: Noongar, Nyungar, Nyoongar, Nyoongah, Nyungah, Nyugah, Yungar and Noonga.
“For thousands of years Noongar people have resided on and had cultural connection to the booja – land. Everything in our vast landscape has meaning and purpose. We speak our own language and have our own lore and customs. The lore is characterised by a strong spiritual connection to country.”
Kinjarling, meaning “a place of plenty,” often interpreted to mean a place of plentiful rain, is the traditional boodja of the Menang people, and extends from the shores of the Menang Koort (King George Sound) to the Koi Kyenunu-ruff (Stirling Ranges) and beyond.
The team behind TEDxKinjarling respectfully acknowledge the peoples of the Wagyl Kaip and Southern Noongar nations, their Elders past, present, and emerging, who are the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we operate.
TEDxKinjarling recognises the important role that Indigenous people continue to play in Australia and we draw inspiration from their ancient connection with this land.