Koodah Cornwall is a respected Wilman Noongar Elder who works with . In the second episode of our podcast Noongar Wellbeing, he speaks about how Noongar people used fire to care for country, and how fire is viewed spiritually. He sees a strong connection with fire both in a practical sense, cooking meals and heating our homes, as well as a spiritfual connection.
Why do we want to get out of bed. Why do we want to go to work. Why do we want to do anything if our fire is gone out within us.
Koodah links how connection to Country is a large factor in wellbeing. If the country is sick, then we are sick. Activating all our senses and taking note of our surroundings benefits our mental and spiritual health. By taking in the smell of an area for example, you help your own physical health and your wirrin (spirit) by caring for the Country around you.
LISTEN TO
Koodah Cornwall on reigniting your inner fire
SBS NITV Radio
03/07/202226:23
Although physically lighting a fire on country can be dangerous, there were methods used by Noongar people to make it safe for animals to get around controlled burns. These controlled burns also avoided catastrophic bushfires like we see today.
Koodah shares his thoughts on how to avoid becoming stagnant or getting stuck in a cycle, including by physically moving or creating something. Pop Koodah hand makes traditional tools as a marker of that particular time in his life, putting his whole being in to the creation of each one.
Noongar Wellbeing is hosted by Ballardong Whadjuk Noongar woman Brooke Collard. Produced by Lucy Torv at Envelope Audio.
Follow in the , or your favourite podcast app like and , to hear all six episodes in the series.
