Gankali Yuribaya Yuwinji
(Be Proud Strong Spirit)
Supporting Individuals and communities to become the Proud, Strong and Unique Spirits they were created to be; through Connection, Healing, Education and Empowerment.
Wadda Mooli - Hello, welcome to my space my name is
Marie Dennis
I’m a Birri Gubba woman from Ayr North Queensland, I also honour my connection to my South Sea Islander ancestors of Ambae Island.
First and foremost, I would like to acknowledge the First Nations People of the lands, waters and seas in which we all live. I pay respects to our ancestors past, elders present and those who are and will continue to keep the fight and culture alive.
I honour my Ancestors, Elders, family and friends who have played key roles in my life, providing me with the courage, skills, knowledge and strength to give back to my communities and play my part in being able to continue to empower and educate where I can.
I have over 20 years experience in Community Services and am passionate about supporting people through guidance, instilling courage and providing access to essential tools on their journeys toward self-empowerment, self-determination and holistic wellbeing.
My career has lead me to many different environments; Federal Government; Not for Profit Organisations; Community Servicing & Engagement; Youth Work; Children in Out of Home Care; Domestic and Family Violence; Case Co-ordination & management; Program Development & management; Education, Training and Development; health & Wellbeing; Therapeutic care.
My vision is to help individuals and communities to become the proud, strong and unique spirits they were created to be; through connection, healing, education and empowerment.
I strive to create culturally safe spaces for people to connect and learn.
Artwork - Acknowledgement
My Logo kindly designed and recreated by my Son Hakeem Dennis was taken from a piece of artwork of specifically tailored to be a representation of my journey depicted by a collaborative team of amazing Indigenous women of KnG Art & Wood; Kerry E Hahne and Gladys E Willis.
Artists Information: Gladys has deep links to the lower coastal Wanyur Madjandji Clan from within the Idinji/Yidinji Nation (i.e. Cairns and surrounding regions), the Lamalama Nation (i.e. around Princess Charlotte Bay, Cape York Peninsula), the Birri Gubba Nation (i.e. Bowen and surrounding regions) and historical links to the Bwgcolman people from Palm Island. Kerry is a talented New South Wales Koori Woman with traditional links to the Morowari/Murrawarri Nation (i.e. within the boundaries of Cunnamulla, NSW; Bourke, NSW; and Goodooga, QLD).
KnG Art & Wood was established in 2014. While they have no formal training in art, they have an ancestral acceptance and appreciation for Mother Nature and what they see in her. Kerry suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and Gladys is her full-time carer. As such, the artworks which they produce are a means of therapeutic healing. By doing so, Kerry is able to turn her mental health into a gain with the constant assistance of Gladys. Their art pieces range from black and white to coloured paper works to acrylic paintings, intricate woodworks and photography. All of their projects are collaborative works which reflects their strong passion and connections to culture. Some of their pieces are inspired by each other's lived experiences; attaching their greatly grounding and truth speaking stories.
“One person can gently shake the world.”
—Gandhi
