KIA DOWELL

Kia Dowell, born in January 1982 in Darwin, Northern Territory, has a life journey deeply intertwined with the cultural richness of her Gija heritage. Raised in Warmun, her formative years were shaped by the land, her family, and the stories passed down through generations. After spending her early childhood in Warmun, Kia moved to Darwin with her family to pursue her education, though her strong ties to her ancestral home remained unbroken. Every school holiday, Kia and her sister Mika would return to Warmun to connect with their grandparents, Madigan and SandyThomas, and the extended family, grounding them in the values and traditions of their people.As a proud Gija woman of Nangala skin, Kia’s ancestral lands span across the Warmun Community andher family’s territories, including Gilbunj, Gurda Gurda, Thildoowa, Jiminjerl, and Darrmoorrmorr. Her Gijaname, Wadjbarreyal, was given to her by the late Paddy Bedford, a profound honor that symbolizes her deep connection to her heritage. Kia’s family dreaming totems are the echidna (porcupine) and fire, while her skin dreaming totems are the brolga and sand frog, each representing a sacred connection tothe land and the spirit world.Kia’s lineage is marked by leadership, resilience, and cultural pride. Her family includes prominent figures like her grandmother, Madigan Thomas, and her aunt, Shirley Purdie, both respected artists whose influence runs deeply through Kia’s artistic journey. Kia is also part of a family of community leaders, business owners, and athletes, making her a bridge between contemporary success and traditional values. A devoted mother to two daughters, Lila Marnmi and Naiyah Dimbal, whose names honour their great-grandmothers, Kia carries forward the legacy of her family with grace and dedication.Her life is a tapestry of diverse experiences, ranging from her time as an international elite basketball athlete in the U.S., where she studied, competed, and worked, to earning an MBA in InternationalBusiness and becoming an award-winning business owner. Kia’s career has spanned various sectors, including the resources industry and senior executive roles in the Commonwealth government, reflecting her multifaceted expertise and leadership.Kia’s connection to art is deeply rooted in her family’s traditions and teachings. Influenced by the worksof her famous relatives, such as Narlngalwarrin (Paddy Jumbinji), Rover Thomas, and Shirley Purdie, Kia’s art reflects both her personal and cultural identity. As a leader during the closure of Rio Tinto’s ArgyleDiamond Mine, Kia’s art addresses the rights of Traditional Owners, the protection of Country, and the narratives of the Daiwul Ngarrangarni shared by her grandmother. Through her artwork, Kia brings attention to themes of identity, the roles of women, and the enduring importance of cultural heritage.Kia’s artistic vision is inspired by the stories of her family, the landscapes of her homeland, and the powerful Dreamtime narratives that have been passed down through generations. Immersed in the beauty of her Country, Baulu-Wah (Violet Valley), Kia finds her creative spirit flourishes when surrounded by family and the land. Her artwork is a reflection of the profound bond she shares with her heritage, expressing both the personal and collective journey of her people.