A Symbol of Survival, Resilience, and Strength
As we move closer to 2029 and beyond, the Danjoo Koorliny team is excited to share the ongoing journey of Yaagan (aka Shiny, the turtle), who has been an integral part of our Bunuru Festival and the broader Danjoo Koorliny story. The Bunuru Festival 2024 celebrated the theme of Culture: Survival, Resilience, and Strength, and at the heart of this celebration was Yaagan, a symbol that embodies these very qualities.
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Yaagan, the turtle, holds a special place in our collective journey, representing the deep connection to kep (water). This element is vital not only to the survival of Yaagan but to the sustainability of our lands, the success of our journey toward 2029, and the commemoration of Western Australia's bicentenary. Just as the Derbal Yerrigan (Swan River) flows towards Walyalup (Fremantle), our path is not a straight line but one that meanders, connects, and nourishes the land and people it touches.
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In Noongar culture, Yaagan is more than just an animal; it is a source of food, medicine, and multiple other uses, symbolising the interconnectedness of life. During Bunuru, the birthing season of Yaagan, turtles return to their home waters to birth their young, a tradition honoured for generations. In contemporary times, Yaagan continues to be revered for its role in cultural traditions and its enduring presence in the ecosystems of Western Australia.
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We are thrilled to announce that Yaagan will soon find a new place to call home. He takes pride in being with one of Danjoo Koorliny’s latest partners. This partnership will further highlight Yaagan’s significance and allow us to continue sharing his story with a broader audience. As we prepare for this exciting transition, we invite you to watch this space for more details on this upcoming announcement.
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Yaagan’s journey is far from over, and we are honoured to continue walking together with him as a symbol of survival, resilience, and strength—a reminder of the importance of water, the connections it fosters, and the cultural heritage it sustains. Stay tuned as we prepare to unveil this new chapter in Shiny’s story and join us in celebrating the enduring spirit of our shared journey.
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