15 July 2026
Students at Newton Moore Senior High School gained a hands-on understanding of Noongar culture by learning the traditional art of building a mia-mia from Aboriginal Elder Ken Ninyette.
Students learnt about the traditional art of building a mia-mia.
During a classroom incursion, Mr Ninyette guided students through the process of constructing the traditional shelter using natural materials. He also shared cultural knowledge and stories that have been passed down through generations.
“A mia-mia is the old shelter once used throughout the South West Noongar groups,” Mr Ninyette explained.
“I (learned how to build one) when I walked with my senior Elders, before school and after school learning the new ways and old, living within my culture bounds and building my own knowledge base.”
The experience was supported by a Dream it Forward grant from Alike WA.
Mr Ninyette shared his knowledge with the students as he walked them through the various stages of the mia-mia construction.
He explained how the materials used have evolved over time with the arrival of pioneers and the introduction of new resources to our country. He also demonstrated how mia-mias are built to withstand various weather conditions.
“The design or shape of them manages strong winds, rain and sunlight,” he said.
“They are designed for only three months of fulltime use then burnt to regenerate our soil for new hunting grounds.
“Some (students) were interested in hearing of the old skill and where it can help them today within their own lifestyle (or during) outdoor adventures.
“Others showed interest in just hearing of old and new methods of bush crafts.”
Aboriginal Elder Ken Ninyette guided students on the process to make a mia-mia.
Noah appreciated how it taught non-indigenous students about Aboriginal culture, way of life and the shelter used to provide protection and comfort.
Cody said it was interesting to learn how the curved design allowed for the winds to go over and around the mia-mia preventing it from being blown over.
Marko liked how the Noongar people adapted and utilised natural resources, such as the paper bark tree bark, to repel the rains and prevent water from entering the shelter.
Principal Kate Nightingale was impressed by the students' responses.
“Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students responded with strong interest and respect,” she said.
“Aboriginal students showed pride and connection to culture and Country, while non-Aboriginal students expressed curiosity and appreciation, gaining a deeper understanding of its cultural significance.
“Learning alongside and from the Noongar people builds cultural understanding and respect, connects students to Country, and ensures authentic learning through the knowledge and perspectives of Traditional Custodians.”
The mia-mia is now permanently housed within Newton Moore Senior High School’s Information Resource Centre, where students can continue to connect with and learn from this cultural knowledge.
The Dream it Forward grant program focuses on identifying, strengthening, sustaining, or adding value to grassroots, community-led projects that improve social, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, families, and communities.
You can learn more about the program from the Alike WA website.