Hi, I'm Mariah Akamarre

A proud Alyawarre woman, artist, exercise scientist, and passionate advocate for the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

I come from a strong matriarchal line. My late grandmother, Barbara Weir, and my great-grandmother, Minnie Pwerle, were both powerful artists and storytellers. Their legacy lives on through my work – in the art I create, the health programs I lead, and the communities I serve.

Atnwengerrp is my great grandmothers country – one of the 16 homelands that make up the Utopia region, located around 270 kilometres northeast of Mparntwe (Alice Springs). It’s more than a place on a map; it’s the heart of who I am. Atnwengerrp connects me to generations of family, to our stories, and to the land that continues to shape my identity. The strength, knowledge, and dreaming carried by this Country flow through my art, my work in health, and my vision for creating meaningful change.

With a background in Exercise Science, I’m currently studying my Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology, working towards becoming one of the few Aboriginal Accredited Exercise Physiologists in Australia. My goal is to integrate culturally safe, evidence-based care into health spaces, ensuring our people feel respected, understood, and empowered on their health journeys.

I founded Challenges Into Opportunities, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to breaking down barriers and creating culturally responsive health programs for Aboriginal communities. I’ve worked across South Australia and now call Mparntwe (Alice Springs) home, where I advocate for the Barkly region and support community-led health initiatives.

My brand Mariah Akamarre was born from the intersection of my two passions – health and storytelling through art. I create products like Aboriginal-designed yoga mats and reusable coffee cups that carry powerful messages of identity, healing, and reflection. Each piece is a reminder to honour our history, nurture our wellbeing, and move through life with purpose and pride.

This space is a reflection of who I am – Thank you for being here and walking this journey with me.