CQUniversity's Professor Bronwyn Fredericks recently attended the 5^th Biennial International Network of Indigenous Health Knowledge and Development (INIHKD) Conference in Brisbane...

Professor Fredericks attended in her roles as Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Engagement) and BMA Chair in Indigenous Engagement.

Conference participants Dr Malia Villiegas, Prof Bronwyn Fredericks and Dr Melanie Cheung

The theme of the Conference was 'Building Resilience; Renewing Individuals, Families and Communities'. The aim was to share knowledge that will lead to the development of sustainable solutions, creating the ability to recover readily from the heath, education and socio-economic disparities experienced by Indigenous populations across the globe, leading to a better future for Indigenous people.

Most of the attendees came from Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States of America. Prof Fredericks said that "Indigenous people in these first world countries have similar issues and presenting through this conference is a means of sharing our problems along with some of our solutions".

"Two of the highlights were hearing Dr Malia Villegas of the National Congress of American Indians Policy Research Centre and Dr Melanie Cheung, University of Waikato discuss their research," Prof Fredericks said.

"Dr Villegas is undertaking work on diabetes and education, while Dr Melanie Cheung is undertaking research on the brain and working with Maori. She is one of the few Indigenous people undertaking laboratory research work.

"The work of these two women and others showcased at the conference was inspirational," concluded Prof Fredericks.

The next Conference will take place in 2014 in Canada.