The International Network for Indigenous Health Knowledge and Development (INIHKD) international committee of esteemed Indigenous health scholars, researchers, and health practitioners from Aotearoa/New Zealand, Hawai'i, the United States, Canada, and Australia who are dedicated to improving the health and well-being of Indigenous peoples.

As many Indigenous oral histories across the world indicate, we have always met together to share stories and loving ecologies, learn strategies, and support one another's health and wellbeing. INIHKD 2025 will focus on celebrating this legacy by focusing on the resilience and permanence of strong Indigenous identities, cultures, and knowledge systems which have shaped and continue to impact our health and well-being. With a strengths-based approach, the conference will discuss the fragility of progress in Indigenous health sovereignty, healthcare self-determination, ongoing health disparities, as well as the existential threats posed by colonial and capitalist systems.

Through a collective, engaging forum and under the theme of Reclaiming Indigenous Ecologies of Love (RIEL), we will provide space for Indigenous scholars, students, and practitioners to envision a future of Indigenous health sovereignty and community thrivance.

INIHKD Conference series

• The first gathering of the INIHKD conference series was held in 2003 in Townsville, Australia. The conference theme was Knowledge Translation to improve the Health of Indigenous peoples
• The second gathering of the INIHKD conference series was held in 2005 in Vancouver, BC, Canada
• The third gathering of the INIHKD conference series was held in 2007 in Rotorua, Aotearoa/New Zealand
• The fourth gathering of the INIHKD conference series was held in 2010 in Seattle, WA, USA.

INIHKD Committee Members

• Tessa Evans-Campbell, PhDExecutive Director, Indigenous Wellness Research Institute; Charles O. Cressey Endowed Associate Professor, University of Washington School of Social Work
• Michelle Johnson-Jennings, PhDExecutive Director, Indigenous Wellness Research Institute; Professor, University of Washington School of Social Work; Director, Environmentally Based Health & Land-Based Healing, IWRI
• Leonie Pihama, PhDProfessor of Maori and Indigenous Research; Research Director, Ta Tamawahine o Taranaki; Director of Maori and Indigenous Analysis Ltd, a Kaupapa Maori research company
• Linda Smith, PhDCo-Deputy Chairperson and Distinguished Professor, Te Mana Whakahaere o Awanuiarangi
• Waikeremoana Waitoki, PhDAssociate Professor, Te Pua Wananga ki te Ao, Faculty of Māori and Indigenous Studies, University of Waikato
• Mera Penehira, PhDHead of School of Indigenous Graduate Studies, Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi
• Rihi Te Nana, M.EdCo-Director Tangata Whenua, National Science Challenge: Building Better Homes, Towns, and Cities
• Ngaropi RaumatiDirector, Senior Family Violence Programme Facilitator & Educator at Ta Tama Wahine O Taranaki
• Keawe Kaholokula, PhDChair, Native Hawaiian Health in the John A. Burns School of Medicine at the University of Hawai’i; Professor, University of Hawai’i
• Jamee Miller, EdDCofounder, 'Ekolu Mea Nui
• Jackie Ottmann, PhDPresident, First Nations University of Canada
• Savage Bear, PhDDirector, McMaster Indigenous Research Institute (MIRI); Assistant Professor, McMaster University
• Myra Parker, PhDDirector, Seven Directions Indigenous Public Health Institute; Associate Professor, University of Washington School of Medicine
• Jason De Santolo, PhDDirector of First Nations Land Justice in Jumbunna Institute for Indigenous Education and Research, University of Technology Sydney
• Mike Spencer, PhDDirector of Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and Oceanic Affairs, IWRI; Presidential Term Professor, University of Washington School of Social Work; Ballmer Endowed Dean, UW School of Social Work
• Tassy Parker, PhDDirector, Center for Native American Health; Associate Vice President for AI Health Research & Education; Professor
• Norman Cooeyate, MAMCRP Tribal Relations Liaison, University of New Mexico HSC Center for Native American Health
• Anne-Marie Eades, PhDAssociate Professor in the School of Nursing, Faculty of Health, the University of Technology, Sydney
• Ramari Jackson-Paniora, EMBADirector, Strategic Initiatives, Planning and International Engagement. University of Washington, Indigenous Wellness Research Institute, Seattle.