A few weeks ago, while some folks were surfing and swimming at Waikiki Beach, Hawaii, a few kilometres away CQUniversity's Professor Bronwyn Fredericks was participating as a member of a PhD Oral Examination Panel at the University of Hawaii at Mānoa.

Professor Fredericks is our new Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Engagement) and BMA Chair in Indigenous Engagement. She was invited to be an examiner for Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi (Indigenous University), New Zealand.

Prof Fredericks (red shirt) with others involved in the PhD Oral Examination

The Doctor of Philosophy (Indigenous Studies) Thesis by Malcolm Naea Chun was titled ‘KA MO'OLELO O KA ‘OIHANA LA'AU LAPA'AU "Traditions of Native Hawaiian Healing Practices". The oral examination was held in Hawaii and not in New Zealand.

Professor Fredericks explained that this was different to other oral examinations she had participated in.

"In this instance there was a combining of university protocols in terms of the formal academic requirements and Māori, Hawaiian and broader Indigenous protocols around introductions, process and knowledge."

Elders, community members and peers were invited to the event to support Malcolm and to also participate in the process. For example, they along with members of the examination panel were invited to ask questions.

"The process enabled Malcolm to demonstrate how much he knew about his research work," Professor Fredericks said.

Once the final deliberations were over there was the customary sharing of food.

"Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi (Indigenous University) demonstrated that an examination process can be academically rigorous, culturally safe and a shared learning experience," Professor Fredericks concluded.

The CQUniversity academic has invited staff from Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi (Indigenous University) to visit CQUniversity and will work towards making that happen in the future.