A force of nature, John Smith Gumbula is a multi-award winner, recipient of the QEII Silver Jubilee Queens Trust

Awardee for young Australians, Founder-Ambassador and Chief Indigenous Officer, a proud descendant of the

WakkaWakka | GuranGurang First Nations people of Queensland & adopted Son of the traditional Yolngu First Nations,

Galiwinku, Elcho Island, N.T Australia. For more than 30 years, John has advocated for his people and is passionately

involved in diverse, innovative artistic mediums and culture in Australia and on the world stage. 

Using the rich earthy tones and vibrant colours of his culture and country, John incorporates historic indigenous art

techniques and modern art media to create stunning works of art with a powerful message that connects us to the

Australian landscape, our Mother Earth of our ancestors from past generations to present.

 Of his work, John says, “My Indigenous identity and Cultural Heritage proudly resonates in my Heart, Spirit, Life,

and unique, innovative artistic creations, keeping my culture strong and alive, spiritually connecting me

to Country”. 

Inspired by his family, he respectfully preserves his art and culture. He acknowledges the traditional custodians of

Australia, recognising their ancient cultural connection to country, land, and water communities, and pays respect to the

indigenous elders ‘past, present and emerging’. Our Gapu Dreaming range features bright, authentic artworks uniquely

designed by John. They are amazing examples of original Aboriginal art inspired by Gapu Country.   

Gapu Country depicts the Wet Season relating to the Northern Territory Wet & Dry.

In the Arnhem Land regions of Traditional Country, Yolngu people have 6 seasons. Wet Season means heavy rains during

the wet November to April months and is the big season for fishing barramundi and other fish. There is also magpie,

goose, and crocodile hunting.The Wet Season is also a time for traditional ceremonial practices related to the

mythological Dreaming stories of creation. 

Source: John Smith Gumbula, for Whites Group

Tom Marks (Chief Operating Officer) says of the relationship with John, “We first started working with John after

he received a gift from our sister company at the time, SUDA by design. Upon receiving the gift, John researched

our companies and discovered that we share the same values and passion for themed giftware collections. After

collaborating with John, we have honestly never looked back!” 

“We are so grateful to be able to work with John year after year, providing a platform to deliver his passion and work.

He is a remarkable man; his work is renowned and is his soul purpose in life. Leading by example and sharing his culture

to enable a better future for his community, family, and the generations to come, John Smith Gumbula is doing

amazing things for Australian culture.” 

Our Gapu Dreaming range is flying off the shelves, so get in quick to secure your one-of-a-kind Father’s Day giftware and

support our Indigenous communities and artists.