Wayapa Wuurrk®

(translates to “Connect to the Earth” in the language of the Maara & Gunaikurnai Peoples)

What we do to the earth, we do also to ourselves. We can't be truly well if Mother Earth is sick.

Founded in 2014 by Gunaikurnai Maara Nation Descendant, Jamie Thomas, and Canadian Welsh Australian, Sara Jones, Wayapa became the first Indigenous wellness modality accredited by the International Institute for Complementary Therapists (IICT).

So what exactly is Wayapa Wuurrk?

Wayapa Wuurrk® is an Earth Connection Wellness Practice based upon Indigenous wisdom. Wayapa can be practiced by people of all ages and from all walks of life.

For thousands of years Australian Aboriginal peoples have lived in harmony with Mother Earth, however over time much of this ancient wisdom has been lost or forgotten and we have found ourselves disconnected from our environment, our village, our natural food sources and our Spirit. Wayapa Wuurrk challenges us to change our thinking of what it means to be holistically well, honouring Indigenous knowledges and the fundamental Australian Indigenous principle of Caring for Country and living in harmony with Mother Earth.

Wayapa promotes environmental sustainability and fosters EARTH, MIND, BODY and SPIRIT wellbeing by combining:

• earth mindfulness
• narrative meditation/storytelling
• a 25-minute physical movement practice of 14 Elements
• a call to action to care for Country

Prices start at $550 (including GST).

To get a glimpse of what Wayapa looks like in practice see this video by the founders.

Dyuba Barndi also offers Wayapa in Education including Incursions for Children and Educators​​

A 45 – 60 minute fun learning experience for Children with their educators that uses storytelling to introduce the Wayapa Way. These sessions model ways of Wayapa and provide an excellent starting point for further learning / inquiry for children.​

Please note: Wayapa Wuurrk is an approved provider on the School Readiness Funding Menu.

How will it look on the day (incursion structure)?​​​

• Grounding in
• Acknowledgement to Country​
• Guided Visualisation / Breath Work​
• Setting Intentions​
• Reading story
• Flow movement sequence​
• Mindful movement 14 Elements​​
• Storytelling connecting​
• Connecting to the elements in various ways & demonstrating element movement​
• Rhythm and Song​
• Group rhythm sequences​​
• Singing​​
• Gratitude Circle

To have the opportunity to promote healing, resilience and strength in others through Wayapa Wuurrk and contribute to intergenerational wellbeing is an absolute privilege and calls to my spirit in giving back to Community. I look forward to sharing this incredibly moving practice and lifestyle with you.