Cherie Johnson is an Aboriginal arts and education consultant, and the founder of Speaking in Colour. Cherie is a Gamilaroi and Weilwun woman who resides in Newcastle, NSW and participates as an active member of the Awabakal Community. Her grandmother, Rachal Darcy, was born on the Beemunnal Mission in Warren, NSW.
Cherie was awarded a Diploma in Teaching from the University of Newcastle in 2006 and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Sydney in 2001. She has also studied dance with the National Aboriginal and Islander Skills Development Association (NAISDA).
Mother, educator, artist, author and entrepreneur, Cherie is also a PhD candidate researching “the effects of urban Aboriginal Women coming to culture and its importance in the contemporary context.”
Cherie is a highly regarded lecturer in Aboriginal culture and education and is a casual lecturer at the University of Newcastle.
As an accomplished artist, Cherie has exhibited photographic and woven artworks exhibited in Perth, Sydney and Newcastle and major public artworks completed in Newcastle. Cherie is an active member of the Awabakal Community and a board member for several organisations to ensure business success supports positive social impact in local communities.
Cherie is available as a keynote speaker for conferences, events, forums, team building activities, RAP development and panel discussions.