Our Work > Research & Grants
International Network of Indigenous Health Knowledge and Development
Advancing indigenous Knowledge, research and development, strengthened by global collaboration
The International Network for Indigenous Health Knowledge and Development (INIHKD) is a global alliance of Indigenous researchers, practitioners, scholars, and advocates from Aotearoa/New Zealand, Hawai‘i, the United States, Canada, and Australia. Established in 2003, INIHKD fosters transnational partnerships that center Indigenous-led research, ancestral knowledge systems, and community-led health solutions. Through knowledge exchange, evidence-based advocacy, and culturally grounded practice, INIHKD works to transform health systems and policies impacting Indigenous peoples worldwide. The network serves as a vital bridge between communities, academia, policy, and development — creating opportunities for shared learning, innovation, and impact.
5 nations
INIHKD connects Indigenous researchers and communities international across five different nations and counting.
20+ Years
Our research and collective voice have been informing national and international health policy and Indigenous health strategies for over 20 years.
2025 RIEL Conference
In 2025, INIHKD will host the Reclaiming Indigenous Ecologies of Love (RIEL) Conference in Tamaya, New Mexico. This international gathering will bring together Indigenous leaders, scholars, and practitioners to share stories, research, and healing practices that reflect enduring knowledge systems and community strength. The RIEL Conference is a powerful strengths-based forum for advancing Indigenous-led research, and global collaboration.
Leadership & Global Committee
The INIHKD Committee is composed of distinguished Indigenous leaders, scholars, researchers, practitioners and educators from across the globe.
INIHKD Committee Members
Linda Smith, PhD – Co-Deputy Chairperson and Distinguished Professor, Te Mana Whakahaere o Awanuiarangi
Tessa Evans-Campbell, PhD – Executive Director, Indigenous Wellness Research Institute, Charles O. Cressey – Endowed Associate Professor, University of Washington School of Social Work
Michelle Johnson-Jennings, PhD – Executive Director, Indigenous Wellness Research Institute; Professor, University of Washington School of Social Work; Director, Environmentally Based Health & Land-Based Healing, IWRI
Leonie Pihama, PhD – Professor of Māori and Indigenous Research; Research Director, Tu Tamawahine o Taranaki – Director of Māori and Indigenous Analysis Ltd, a Kaupapa Māori research company
Ngaropi Raumati – Director, Senior Family Violence Programme Facilitator & Educator at Ta Tama Wahine O Taranaki
Myra Parker, PhD – Director, Seven Directions Indigenous Public Health Institute; Associate Professor, University of Washington School of Medicine
Tassy Parker, PhD – Director, Center for Native American Health; Associate Vice President for AI Health Research & Education; Professor
Waikeremoana Waitoki, PhD – Associate Professor, Te Pua Wananga ki te Ao, Faculty of Māori and Indigenous Studies, University of Waikato
Mera Penehira, PhD – Head of School of Indigenous Graduate Studies, Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi
Rihi Te Nana, M.Ed – Co-Director Tangata Whenua, National Science Challenge: Building Better Homes, Towns, and Cities
Jamee Māhealani Miller, EdD – Cofounder, ‘Ekolu Mea Nui
Jackie Ottmann, PhD – President, First Nations University of Canada
Savage Bear, PhD – Director, McMaster Indigenous Research Institute (MIRI); Assistant Professor, McMaster University
Ramari Jackson-Paniora, EMBA – Director, Strategic Initiatives, Planning and International Engagement. University of Washington, Indigenous Wellness Research Institute, Seattle.
Norman Cooeyate, MAMCRP – Tribal Relations Liaison, University of New Mexico HSC Center for Native American Health
Jason De Santolo, PhD – Director of First Nations Land Justice in Jumbunna Institute for Indigenous Education and Research, University of Technology Sydney
Mike Spencer, PhD – Director of Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and Oceanic Affairs, IWRI; Presidential Term Professor, University of Washington School of Social Work; Ballmer Endowed Dean, UW School of Social Work
Anne-Marie Eades, PhD – Associate Professor in the School of Nursing, Faculty of Health, the University of Technology, Sydney