International Indigenous Research Conference 2024

Professor Shawana Andrews, Senior Research Fellow Odette Mazel and Graduate Research Program Coordinator Tahlia Eastman attended the International Indigenous Research Conference in Aotearoa.

Following the MAI doctoral conference was the International Indigenous Research Conference (IIRC).

The conference theme, Whītiki Taua reflected the powerful bond and collective strength within Indigenous communities, while the other theme Research Solidarities highlighted how vital collaboration is in Indigenous research. Together, these concepts celebrate the spirit of solidarity, sharing knowledge, and empowering one another.

Professor Andrews and Odette presented their paper, Harnessing the Collective: Indigenous PhD students’ impact on the academy, which explored the ways Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander PhD scholars navigate the academy. It highlighted the culturally respectful ways they are undertaking research, challenging accepted approaches to how research should be conducted, finding solutions to inadequate supervisory processes and engaging with their peers to develop a sense of place within the academic environment.

The paper celebrates the collective impact that increasing numbers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander PhD scholars are having on the academy, and the empowering ways in which they are forging a path to amplify Indigenous voices and champion Indigenous knowledges.

Tahlia presented her PhD research, Utilising the Concept of Passing to Explore the Sociopolitical Boundaries of Aboriginal Identity in Tasmania, which explores the sociopolitical boundaries of Aboriginal identity in Tasmania to understand the impact of racial and cultural passing. Passing is an act of veiling—a historical phenomenon where people of colour masked deep familial histories—and created temporary realities without racial discrimination.

It was a privilege to experience many inspiring presentations at the conference, honouring Indigenous perspectives and addressing the common challenges and successes Indigenous peoples face worldwide.

Left: Odette, Shawana and Tahlia
Top right: Odette and Shawana presenting work undertaking at the Melbourne Poche Centre for Indigenous Health
Bottom right: Tahlia presenting her research