CEED Healing
About Us
Meet the First Nations family whose cultural lineage informs CEED Healing's Aboriginal cultural education and healing programs.
The Three Sisters - Sue, Karen & Jennifer
Photographer: Cristina Bevilacqua
Our Lineage and Cultural Responsibility
Karen, Sue & Jennifer carry the lineage of Daarrba, Badjala, Djirrbal, and Western Yalanji peoples, born and raised on Gimuy (Cairns). CEED Healing is led by Karen and Sue, who continue this cultural responsibility through their work. Their historical connection to Gimuy spans six generations, including their grannies.
In the early 1900s, their great-grandparents were forcibly removed from their traditional lands and relocated to Yarrabah Mission. Through story, ceremony, and quiet strength, their families endured. Their presence on County today is not a return, but a continuation. A living thread of resilience, healing and truth.
Their healing work is deeply connected to their great grandfather's Country, Daarrba Warra - part of the Guugu Yimithirr homelands north of Cooktown. This is where their family story began, and where their long-term dream leads them back to.
They honour the histories carried by their Ancestors, including the government records held under the Aboriginal Protection and Restriction of the Sale of Opium Act 1897. These truths shape their commitment to cultural education, truth-telling, and creating spaces where people can understand the impact of these histories on families and communities.
Everything they do is grounded in this responsibility.
Women of the World Festival 2022 - Cairns Photographer Cristina Bevilacqua
Karen Reys
I am a mother, grandmother, Elder, artist, healer and cultural facilitator. My totem is the Wurrugu (eagle bird) - Guugu Yimithirr language.
I created the Rainbow Songlines, an Aboriginal women's healing program that guides women toward Truth, Acceptance and Light. My great grandparents were denied their human rights and my life's work has been to heal the consequences of intergenerational trauma - holding the sad stories and the hopeful ones of what is yet to come.
Through cultural healing ceremonies, I support the re-birthing and re-awakening of Spirit, helping women to reconnect with their inherent potential and purpose.
My personal and spiritual journey, expressed through my art practice and through CEED Healing, has shaped my role in social change and emotional wellbeing. I hold a Bachelor of Fine Arts (CU), a Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Healing Arts (CU), and over twenty years experience in Indigenous and cross-cultural education that includes an Associate Lecturer.
My vision is to bridge two cultures and create shared spaces that honour self-worth, unity, and connection to Country. I teach Indigenous knowledge and wisdom as a commitment to our Ancestors, to Mother Earth, and to keeping the Dreaming alive.
Sue Reys
Susan Reys is an Elder, artist, teacher and Founder of Kgari 3 Sisters. Her Aboriginal name is Dulin, meaning Owl, and her totems are the Dolphin and White Cockatoo.
She holds a Bachelor of Teaching (QUT) and has over 10 years teaching in tertiary education environments. Susan is dedicated to building strong rapport with students through effective communication and culturally-sensitive curricula. She brings a deep expertise in developing and delivering programs in Indigenous health and wellbeing, Indigenous art, and Indigenous community management and development.
Susan Reys
Photographer Cristina Bevilacqua
Henry Fourmile
Photographer Cristina Bevilacqua
Hendrick Fourmile
Henry Fourmile is a Gimuy Wallabara Yidinji Elder, deeply passionate about his people and his Country.
He is also a gifted artist and storyteller, sharing cultural knowledge through his Welcome to Country ceremonies, always grounding people in connection to place.
Henry carries a wealth of knowledge about Gimuy (Cairns) - stories held in the land and waters, passed down through generations. His teachings offer a deeper understanding of Country and the ongoing cultural presence of Yidinji people.
"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
