NOONGAR COUNTRY Known as the Wagyl Kaip Southern Region, this land encompasses approximately 10,000 square kilometres. The official language of the Aboriginal people in the South West is ‘Noongar’ and is made up of fourteen different dialects; many of which have changed over time and adapted due to the impacts of colonisation.
BIRAK
December - January Season of the young
June - July Fertility season
Traditionally this is the burning time of year for fuel reduction, to increase grazing pastures, aid in seed germination and travel across country.
The coldest and wettest time of the year. Typically animals will pair up in preparation for breeding, and blue and purple flowers start to emerge.
BUNNURU
DJILBA
February - March Season of adolescence
August - September Growing season
The hottest time of year with little to no rain. This is a time for living and fishing by the coast. Lots of flowering gums with white flowers are in full bloom.
A transitional time of year where yellow and cream flowers begin to appear and wildlife young are born as the days begin to warm up.
DJERAN
KAMBARANG
A break from the hot weather is indicated by cooler nights and dewy early mornings. Light wind breezes are more common, and many flying ants can be seen cruising around.
Longer dry periods accompany a definite warming trend sees an abundance of colours and flowers explode around the South West.
April - May Ant season
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MAKURU
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October - November Wildflower season
The main difference between the fourteen Noongar dialects is the pronunciation, however as the groups are geographically and ecologically distinctive, there are also unique regional terminologies. This variation in language reflects both the regional dialect differences as well as an attempt by each of the language groups to remain in a modern Australian society, with a sense of independance and difference from within. The South West region also maintains a seasonal Noongar calendar that includes six different yearly seasons. These seasons are known as Birak, Bunuru, Djeran, Makuru, Djilba and Kambarang. Each represent and explain the seasonal changes that flow throughout the year. The Noongar seasons can be long or short and rather than being indicated by date, the change of season corresponds with the change happening in the world around us. This six season calendar is extremely important to Noongar people as it serves as a guide to what nature is doing and what can be expected through every stage of the year. It also works as a way to better understand and give respect to the land in relation to the plant, animal fertility cycles and land and animal preservation.
