Healing Country: A Case Study of Boola Boornap, Western Australia

This thesis explores "Healing Country" through a detailed case study of the Noongar Land Enterprise Group and the Boola Boornap tree nursery in South-West Australia. Healing Country represents a journey of ecological restoration intertwined with the cultural and spiritual revival of the Noongar people. This research integrates participant observation, semi-structured interviews, yarning—a culturally embedded narrative exchange—and ethnographic filmmaking. The combination of these methods captures the deep connection between the Noongar community and their ancestral lands. The study reveals that Healing Country transcends traditional Western scientific epistemology, highlighting an experiential relationship with the land that is deeply felt. Historical challenges from colonisation and policies like the “1905 Aborigines Act” have left lasting scars on the Noongar people, making their healing process both ecological, cultural and, most importantly, personal. Insights from Noongar...Show moreThis thesis explores "Healing Country" through a detailed case study of the Noongar Land Enterprise Group and the Boola Boornap tree nursery in South-West Australia. Healing Country represents a journey of ecological restoration intertwined with the cultural and spiritual revival of the Noongar people. This research integrates participant observation, semi-structured interviews, yarning—a culturally embedded narrative exchange—and ethnographic filmmaking. The combination of these methods captures the deep connection between the Noongar community and their ancestral lands. The study reveals that Healing Country transcends traditional Western scientific epistemology, highlighting an experiential relationship with the land that is deeply felt. Historical challenges from colonisation and policies like the “1905 Aborigines Act” have left lasting scars on the Noongar people, making their healing process both ecological, cultural and, most importantly, personal. Insights from Noongar leaders, such as Oral McGuire, highlight the necessity of integrating Indigenous knowledge systems into contemporary ecological practices. These perspectives challenge Western thought and advocate for a holistic approach that respects the spiritual and cultural dimensions of resilience. The recent referendum on establishing an Indigenous Advisory Body in Australia, which resulted in a “no” vote, validates the ongoing struggle for respect, true recognition and integration of Indigenous perspectives within mainstream policies. Reflections from community members illustrate the need for genuine collaboration and respect for Indigenous ways of knowing. This research argues for the importance of embracing the indefinable, respecting deep spiritual connections, and fostering an inclusive approach to ecological and cultural restoration.Show less

Leiden University Student Repository

Documents

In Collections

Healing Country: A Case Study of Boola Boornap, Western Australia