CCAIHG and BC NEIHR Co-Present at 3rd Lowitja Institute International Indigenous Health and Wellbeing Conference
Assistant Professor and Co-Director of CCAIHG Dr. Krista Stelkia co-presented with BC NEIHR Network Coordinator Tara Erb at the 3rd Lowitja Institute International Indigenous Health and Wellbeing Conference on the traditional lands of the Gimuy Walubara Yidinji and Yirrgandji peoples. Their presentation explored developing research relationships with Indigenous communities and supporting Indigenous self-determination and sovereignty through a health research network environment in British Columbia, Canada.
The conference was held from June 14-17, 2023 and welcomed Indigenous health scholars from across Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand, Canada, Hawaii, and the United States. There were several themes that were emerged from the conference such as: truth-telling, Indigenous sovereignty, rights, self-determination, declonization, Nation-building, leadership and governance, and many more.
The gathering took place during a watershed moment in Australia's history with the upcoming Referendum on a Voice shaping many of the discussions on the program. The proposed law that Australians are being asked to approve at the referendum would insert a new section into the Constitution:
"Chapter IX Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples 129 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice
In recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia:
- There shall be a body, to be called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice;
- The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice may make representations to the Parliament and the Executive Government of the Commonwealth on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples;
- The Parliament shall, subject to this Constitution, have power to make laws with respect to matters relating to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice, including its composition, functions, powers and procedures"