Healing the River Event
The last full moon of the Noongar season of Birak saw people come together for a 'healing the river' ceremony with story, song, dance and art.
Ni! Bilyada Waanginy Listen! the Rivers are Speaking and Meeka Moorart Full Moon Ceremony: Walbraniny Ngala Bilya Healing Our River took place on the foreshore at Langley Park in Boorloo / Perth.
It was organised by Della Rae Morrison and Johnny Doan, with support from Danjoo Koorliny.
The evening featured stories from Noel Nannup, Carol Innes, Richard Walley and many other Noongar Elders and leaders, together with participatory dances led by Richard Walley, Robin Smyth-Walley and others; songs from Della Rae Morrison, Kobi Morrison and others; a sand mandala dance-ground on the grass; a walk to the river's edge; a fire smoking; and the singing of a new full-moon song (listen to a draft version of the song here).
More events like this will take place later this year, including during the Danjoo Koorliny Social Impact Festival in Kambarang at the start of October. Stay tuned.