The Aboriginal Advisory Group, made up of elders and other community members, have decided on an official name for the Aboriginal and Environmental Interpretive Centre.
In a group meeting late July, the group approved the name Ngarrginy Cultural Centre and have now recommended it to the Northam Shire Council for endorsement.
Ngarrginy means moving through.
It represents the dreamtime story of the Wagyl, a snakelike creature that created the river by moving side to side, forming landscapes and waterways, according to Nyoongar culture.
The subheading will be Miya Ngany Koort Boodja, which translates to My Heart My Country.
The name will go to Council for approval at the next meeting on August 17.
The centre is currently being constructed on Minson Avenue next to the Northam Visitors Centre.
It is being developed as a regional tourist attraction which offers an interactive educational experience to recognise the rich Aboriginal and environmental presence in the Northam and wider Ballardong area.