Miimi and Buwaarr, Mother and Baby

An ode to the mother/baby relationship and ties to family and land

Being your miimi (mother) is the most precious gift life can give.

When you were born you opened my heart as wide as the ocean.

Join Miimi (Mother) as she shares stories with her Buwaarr (baby) about the environment, language and totems; passing on the wisdom of Gumbaynggirr culture and a mother's hopes for baby's future.

A lyrical and heart-stirring series by Gumbaynggirr artist Melissa Greenwood, creator of Miimi Marraal, Mother Earth, My Little Barlaagany (Sunshine) and Giinagay Gaagal, Hello Ocean.

About the Author

Melissa Greenwood was born on her Gumbaynggirr jagun (homelands) in Coffs Harbour and raised between both Gumbaynggirr and Bundjalung nations.

On Melissa's matriarchal side, she is a Gumbaynggirr custodian with strong ties to Bundjalung and Dunghutti. Her father's side has English and Welsh heritage. Melissa was raised by her single Aboriginal mother so identifies strongly with her Aboriginal heritage and is a miimi (mum) of two beautiful giibarrin (boys).

From a very young age Melissa has been passionate about creating change for her people. Melissa completed both an Associate Diploma in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies and a Bachelor of Justice Studies majoring in Critical Criminology. Melissa has used her skills to work tirelessly for the Indigenous community for over a decade running National Projects, Aboriginal Youth Programs and supporting survivors of the Stolen Generation.

Melissa is the founder and director of Miimi and Jiinda, a thriving Australian art business. Melissa has just launched a sister brand called Ochre by Miimi and Jiinda which is her fashion and homewares label. Melissa's dream is to create a platform that not only supports her people but provides opportunities for them for employment and avenues for growth and self-determination.