Bidi Katitjiny Aboriginal Women's Trail

Aboriginal women have cared for our country and their families on this continent for thousands of years.  Their knowledge of plants, to be used for food and medicine, was shared with their children and sustained by strictly following the six seasons.

Following these seasonal changes enabled the conservation and protection of natural resources and ensured sustainability of the environment for future generations.

Piney Lakes Reserve is a significant site for the traditional custodians of the area, as it is a sacred place for Noongar women who performed cermonies, discussed women's business and took young boys through their level one initiation here.

The Bidi Katitjiny Aboriginal Women's Trail reflects the special relationship Noongar people, especially women, still have with this land today and aims to promote their unique identity and history.

The trail runs through an area of Piney Lakes Reserve which was utilised by Noongar women throughout the year, over the Noongar six seasons.  The Noongar six seasons each represent a different period of activity dependant on the weather and the cycles of nature.

The trail can be taken as a casual self-guided walk, or (in future) with an aboriginal female guide.  It's purpose is to pass on traditional knowledge of native plants, animals and natural resources to all people.  It is hoped the trail will aid in the conservation and protection of this sacred women's site by creating increased cultural awareness of the area.

The public are more than welcome to visit this site at their leisure and follow the advice of the Bidi Katitjiny Aboriginal Women's Trail Brochure, which can be obtained from Piney Lakes Environmental Education Centre.

Guided tours are not yet running, but will be advertised on this site and in local papers when the times are confirmed. 

For more information, please contact the Community (Cultural) Liaison Officer at the City of Melville (P:1300 635 845) or the Environmental Education Officer (P: 9364 0790).

Article: Aboriginal Women's Heritage Trail Opens

Bidi Katitjiny Aboriginal Women's Trail - Guided Tour and Tucker with Marissa Verma

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