Exhibition
The current exhibition on display at Bilya Koort Boodja tells the Creation story of the Rainbow Serpent, Waagyl who is intrinsically linked to the River and Country, as well as the six seasons celebrated by Nyoongar. Waagyl is shimmering and colourful but can only ever be glimpsed. A graphic colourway referencing the River and Waagyl encircles the perimeter and denotes the changing seasons.
The Yarning Circle holds conversations between generations as interlinked video pieces. The circle is gently separated from the primary circulation content through the use of vertical timber posts, representative of the local forest, allowing light to play through the posts engraved with the names of over 100 Nyoongar people who were dispossessed from their land.
The Place of Sorry Business introduces the Acts that governed Nyoongar people’s lives, such as the Aboriginal Act 1905. This area explores the impacts these policies had on Nyoongar people and introduces the Nyorn/Sorry/Healing space that brings together the stories of the Stolen Generation and Mission days.
The project achieved a strong connection and participatory design dialogue with the traditional owners of the area. This dialogue informed a graphic and material language that connects the centre to the seasons, plants and animals that are intimately connected to the land and surrounding river system. Creating a space that allows visitors to understand the landscape through the perceptual lens of the Nyoongar people; vistas within the exhibition space connect the centre out into the landscape.
The Shire of Northam Aboriginal Advisory Group (AAG) has provided cultural guidance to the Shire of Northam on the development and operation of the Centre and will continue to support the operation of the Centre, to ensure that a focus on culture is appropriately maintained and that the Centre continues to represent and connect with the Aboriginal community.
Entry
Single entry $11
$20 Annual Membership (unlimited entries)
Group Bookings 80% of full rate