Wadjemup Wirin Bidi Commemorative Ceremony

The Whadjuk Noongar people are the Traditional Owners of Wadjemup / Rottnest Island, and their connection to the island is long, significant, and enduring.

From 1838-1931 Wadjemup was used as a place of incarceration, segregation and forced labour for over 4,000 Aboriginal men and boys who were forcibly taken from regions across Western Australia. Historic records indicate that at least 373 of these men and boys were buried in an area now referred to as the Wadjemup Aboriginal Burial Ground.

Wadjemup Wirin Bidi, meaning ‘Spirit Trail’, is a cultural Ceremony for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people to gather together to facilitate healing and commemorate those affected by the past incarceration of Aboriginal men and boys on Wadjemup.

The public Commemorative Ceremony will be held on Wadjemup on Saturday 9 November 2024. The Ceremony is men's and women's Sorry Business and the program will include truth-telling from Traditional Owners and Elders, Aboriginal presentations, Yarning Circles, and cultural activities.

Attendance is free but registration is required before 1 November 2024.

Content Warning

Attendees are advised that the Ceremony content may be distressing for Aboriginal people and that cultural care services will be available.

While every intent is for events to go ahead as planned, in some circumstances they may have to change due to inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances.