Djiljid Dreaming film celebrates the paperbark people and their connection to the Swan-Canning system

Narrated by Djoona Managing Director and Biboolmirn Nyoongar Joe Collard, the film tells the story of how the water of the Swan and Canning rivers connects his people – the ‘Paperbark People’ of the South-west – with their Boodja, their land.

The film was a collaboration between Aboriginal training and cultural immersion organisation, Djoona, and Task Force Films.

CEO Dr Andrew Rowland said, “We have much to learn from Traditional Owners’ knowledge of seasonal cycles of sea country and aquatic environments that has been built up over thousands of years. We share many similar values especially when it comes to protecting our waters so we and future generations can continue to enjoy them.

“The theme of this month’s NAIDOC week is ‘For our Elders’, so it’s fitting that this inspiring short film acknowledges and features Biboolmum Elders sharing stories of their people’s connection with the waters of the Swan and Murray coastal plains.

“We are pleased our community grants scheme has helped Joe share some of his community’s knowledge and history through the medium of this film.”