Legend of the Two Hills - York

The "Legend of the Two Hills" refers to a story associated with the area around York, a historic town located in the Avon Valley in Western Australia. The legend is rooted in local Indigenous culture and folklore, with the hills in question being prominent geographical features that stand out in the landscape.

One version of the story involves the hills being a significant site for the Noongar people, the traditional custodians of the land in this region. The two hills are often seen as symbols or markers of important events or ancestral spirits. The exact details of the legend can vary, but typically, the two hills represent a connection to the Dreamtime, the foundational mythological period in Aboriginal culture.

While there may be multiple versions of the story, it is common for Indigenous legends to involve themes of creation, spirit beings, and the interconnectedness of people with the land. These hills might have been seen as having spiritual significance, serving as landmarks or places of power, where the stories of ancestors were enacted or remembered.

In addition to the Indigenous interpretations, European settlers and later generations have developed their own tales and folklore around the two hills, further enriching the area's cultural narrative.

The legend serves as a reminder of the deep history and ongoing cultural significance of the land to the Noongar people and the broader community around York.

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I'm a Perth based artist who originates from the Noongar language group based in the South-west of Australia and am traditionally connected to the Ballardong and Minang tribes. I first started painting when i was 12 years old and was inspired by family member artists who include my grandfather Dennis Noongali Kickett and parents Michelle Wilura Kickett and Michael Cummings.

I paint for a hobby and as a form of relaxation in my spare time as it helps me to reflect and to connect to my culture. My work is based around traditional stories and cultural practices which mainly focus on the role Noongar men had. I also paint stories which relate to both my mothers and fathers traditional areas which include coastal and hinterland themes. I mainly work with acrylic paints and practice dot painting techniques and traditional symbolism to represent my themes.

I hope to keep my ancestors culture and stories alive through my artwork and educate the wider community about their i.e. my ancestors traditional way of life. This also includes breaking down barriers for Aboriginal people in the wider society and helping to reconcile past differences between Aboriginal and non Aboriginal people. Further, I hope to inspire other aspiring young Aboriginal artists to realise their potential to pursue a career in the arts.