Two people talking at the UQ Poche Centre for Indigenous Health

Indigenous engagement

Recognising the contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and perspectives to the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Behavioural Sciences.

We strongly support the celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and recognise the enormous contributions that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and perspectives bring to learning, discovery and engagement activities.

Aligning with UQ’s Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), our vision is to build a strong sense of belonging and inclusivity that works respectfully with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, staff and communities in teaching, learning, research and collaboration – embracing and enhancing the best of our nation’s and the world’s diversity.

Wisdom Council for Indigenous Knowledges

The Wisdom Council adopts community approaches that are aligned with Indigenous Ways of Knowing, Being and Doing across its four pillars of activity:

  • education/ teaching and learning
  • research and research training
  • community-centred and driven engagement
  • Treaty, Truth-telling and Healing. 

The purpose of the Wisdom Council for Indigenous Knowledges is to inform and inspire the development of a co-designed model that will sustain and stabilise faculty strategies and priorities, and position Blak health right in the centre of Faculty; it’s everyone’s business.

It will change the narrative around health and wellbeing outcomes, including a focus on institutional racism and understanding of systemic issues that directly impact the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It will lead through a strengths-based approach and an appreciation that success will invariably improve the health and wellbeing of all Australians. 

Members

  • Professor Sherry Holzapfel (Co-Chair), Executive Director, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health
  • Professor Brad Murphy (Co-Chair), Inaugural Mayne Professor for Indigenous Health and Wellbeing
  • Professor James Ward, Professor and Director, Poche Centre for Indigenous Health
  • Professor Gail Garvey, Professor of Indigenous Health Research and NHMRC Leadership Fellow, School of Public Health
  • Professor Tracey Bunda , Professor and Academic Director, UQ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit
  • Professor Noel Hayman , Professor,  General Practice Clinical Unit, School of Medicine Clinical Director of the Inala Indigenous Health Service
  • Professor Adrian Carson , Principal, Create Health Advisory
  • Professor Yvonne Cadet-James , Adjunct Professor, James Cook University Research Coordinator, Apunipima Cape York Health Council
  • Professor Tanja Hirvonen, Board Director, Black Dog Institute
  • Professor Marissa Smith , CEO, Bidgerdii Community Health Service
  • Carl Francia , Lecturer, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences

Ex officio members

  • Gregory Egert (Uncle Cheg), Elder in Residence for the ARC Centre of Excellence for Indigenous Futures
  • Professor Thelma Parker, Associate Dean (Indigenous Engagement), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Behavioural Sciences