CEED Healing
About Us
Meet the First Nations Elders that are proud to offer you the Aboriginal cultural education programs.
Karen Reys
Women of the World Festival 2022 - Cairns Photographer Cristina Bevilacqua
Opera House, Darrba warra 2014 - Three Sisters: Karen, Susan and Jennifer
Karen Reys
Hi, I'm Karen Reys, a descendant of the Guugu Yimithirr Nation as Darrba warra, Western Yalanji, Badjala and Dyirbal peoples of Queensland. I have a historical connection to Yidinji country through my great grandparents. They were Stolen Generation and removed from their respective countries and placed in Yarrabah Mission, traditional country of the Gunggandji and Mandingalbay Yidinji people.
I am a Mother (daughters 34 & 14 years), Grandmother (grandsons 11 and 5 years), Founder, Elder, Aboriginal Artist and Healer. My totem is the Wurrugu- eagle bird (Guugu Yimithirr language).
I am proud to offer the Aboriginal cultural immersion programs on Country alongside my two sisters - Susan and Jennifer, and brother-in-law Henry Fourmile.
Shadows reflect what is happening in the present. A lighting can alter its perception. I created the Aboriginal cultural healing program as a pathway to finding one’s own Truth, Acceptance, and Light. My great grandparents were denied their human rights and for me to claim the definition of freedom I have to be responsible for healing the consequences and the entrapment of intergenerational trauma. I have been holding the sad stories of trauma but also the happy stories of what is to come. This has been my journey and experience and I wanted to share it.
The cultural healing ceremonies for women of all ages cultivates the re-birthing and re-awakening of one’s Spirit bringing forth the inherent potential in each individual to create a more meaningful and purposeful life.
My personal and spiritual journey of healing through my art practice and the business CEED Healing (pronounced seed, Community Engagement and Education Development) has empowered me to play a key role in facilitating social change and emotional wellbeing. I work in partnership with Henry and Sue, and our work is all about Healing Together on Country.
I hold a Bachelor of Fine Arts, Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Healing Arts, and over twenty years experience in Indigenous and cross-cultural education that includes an Associate Lecturer.
My vision is to bridge two cultures and build shared spaces that acknowledge one’s self-worth and values the concept of unity. I teach Indigenous knowledge and wisdom as a commitment to the Ancestors, Mother Earth, and to keeping the Dreaming alive.
Hendrick Fourmile
Hendrick Fourmile is a Gimuy Wallabara Yidinji Elder and passionate about his people and his country.
He is also a wonderful artist and story teller and shares through his Welcome to Country ceremonies in which there is always a connection to country and place.
Henry has a wealth of knowledge of the area especially stories of Cairns that are embedded on a connection to place and country.
Hendrick Fourmile
Susan Reys
Susan Reys
Susan Reys was born in Cairns. Her family has lived in Cairns for seven generations. Her grandmother was born and raised in Yarrabah Mission. She is a Butchulla, Darraba and Dyribal woman. Her Aboriginal name given to her is Dulin which means Owl. Her totems are the Dolphin and White Cockatoo.
Susan is an Elder, Visual Artist, Teacher, and Founder of Kgari 3 Sisters. She holds a Bachelor of Teaching. She is an enthusiastic teacher with over 10 years teaching in tertiary education environments.
Susan is focussed on developing a positive rapport with all students through effective communication and culturally-sensitive curricula. She offers a wealth of knowledge in the development and implementation of course curricula in the areas of Indigenous health and wellbeing, Indigenous art, and Indigenous community development and management.
"There is a difference between a 'good' person and being a good Ancestor. A good Ancestor carries a responsibility, not just of living but to think deeply what legacy will be left in that 'living'." - Allison Whittaker, Gomeroi Woman
