• INIHKD Background
• ANIHKD Background
• A Word From the Chair
• ANIHKD Committee Members
• INIHKD Logo

ABOUT

INIHKD Background

The INIHKD was initially formed after discussions between several individuals, including Dr Sue Crengle (University of Auckland) from Aotearoa and current Chair of the International Steering Committee (ISC), Associate Professor Jacinta Elston (James Cook University). Within these discussions the need for a forum in which indigenous peoples could share knowledge, experiences challenges and solutions in the area of health knowledge and development was identified. After discussion with colleagues from Canada and the USA the mission of the INIHKD was shaped around the areas of health workforce development, health research and health services.

A primary aim of the INIHKD is bringing together key stakeholders from the above areas, namely community members, policy makers, service providers and researchers. With this in mind the major focus of the INIHKD’s activity has been facilitating active sharing of information and ideas by these groups. This focus was reflected in the theme of the 3rd Biennial meeting – Whanau Knowledge in Action – and development of the Conference programme.

This theme and the structure of the conference also sought to serve the original network aims and themes identified at the 2003 Inaugural Meeting of the INIHKD in Townsville .

Network Aims

The INIHKD aims to provide a vehicle for indigenous communities, indigenous academics and government agencies to:

• Develop standards to ensure indigenous leadership and participation in all endeavours that facilitate the translation of meaningful and applicable health knowledge for and with indigenous communities
• Explores ways to increase the quantity and quality of indigenous health care providers and researchers through workforce development and enhancement schemes in the various countries
• Foster collaboration and exchange of information about basic and applied research with a particular emphasis on models that enhance health care delivery and contribute to health gain within indigenous communities;
• Share policy approaches to indigenous health:
  1. that have been developed and implemented in each country;
  2. to critically examine their strengths and weaknesses and;
  3. encourage strengthening of indigenous health policy development and implementation in each country.
• Share knowledge, experience and meaningful ways to enhance the skills of non-indigenous health care staff and researchers who deliver services to indigenous people.

Network Themes

• Improving indigenous health by sharing outcomes, experiences and solutions;
• Information and knowledge translation – using knowledge to transform and improve health by putting knowledge into practice;
• Contributing to Indigenous workforce, health service and research capacity building and development.

The International Steering Committee

Click here to go to the INIHKD Website to see this information.