Strong Fearless Together: Indigenous health experts unite for change
Conference Communiqué
Lowitja Institute brought together more than 1,370 delegates to champion Indigenous-led research at our 4th International Indigenous Health and Wellbeing Conference on Kaurna Country from 16–19 June 2025.
As Australia’s only national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community controlled health research institute, Lowitja Institute honoured the legacy of our co-patron and namesake, the late Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue AC CBE DSG more than one year on since her passing in February 2024.
The conference brought together leaders, researchers and experts in health and wellbeing from 11 countries with more than 230 presentations including keynote speakers, panels, presentations, workshops, and 80 posters. The theme ‘Strong, Fearless, Together’ was embedded throughout the program with thematic streams of Sovereignty and Self-Determination, Leadership and Workforce, Country and Climate, and Knowledges, Methodologies and Traditions. Prominent Indigenous leaders acknowledged the unwavering courage and grace of Dr O’Donoghue, inspiring us to stand STRONG, be FEARLESS and work TOGETHER for the health and wellbeing of Indigenous peoples.
Hearing from Indigenous voices throughout the program, there was a strong emphasis on showcasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led research, community controlled health innovations, and intergenerational knowledge
exchange.
A warm Welcome to Country was given by Ngarrindjeri/Kaurna Elder Uncle Moogy Sumner AM along with a cultural sharing from Tal-kin-jeri dancers before the official proceedings on Tuesday morning. Uncle Moogy shared a smoking ceremony as
delegates arrived at the Adelaide Convention Centre; followed by a powerful greeting to spirit of place by Ngalea, Kokatha, Ngadjuri, and Narungga young woman Jakirah Waruyu Telfer.
Honouring our co-patron
The conference began in honour of its co-patron, the late Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue AC CBE DSG, remembering her profound body of work and the legacy she leaves behind. Our co-patron Pat Anderson AO recounted her memories of Dr O’Donoghue in a video address, ‘when asked why she did what she did, she would always answer, ”Because of love of my people.”’ Many discussions aligned with Dr O’Donoghue’s spirit and her values. As noted by Torres Strait Islander woman Donnella Mills in her opening address, we recognise the power of women in driving change within our communities. We heard about the strength of our communities in responding to emerging needs and the key role our women play in this. To quote Deb Edwards, Dr O’Donoghue’s niece: ‘You have not come here to be silent, you have come here to listen’.
Our children’s future
We heard about the importance of centring the next generation, our children, our future leaders – a sentiment echoed in the keynote of Sámi Ohcejohka/Utsjoki Professor Rauna Kuokkanen on Thursday morning. One of questions that has been posed throughout this conference has been what do we leave our children with? We heard a lot about the impact of climate change on our communities, from issues around pollution, impacts of extractive industries, to floods and fires, which threaten our way of life.
There have been stark warnings about what the future looks like if we don’t act, but there have also been glimmers of hope. We heard a lot of stories of the grassroots movements of resistance and resilience in our communities – movements to protect and restore Country, but also ways in which we as First Nations peoples can come together to force action. To hold those responsible accountable. There is power in standing together. And the strength of our young ones and their willingness to work together has been evident. As noted by Ambassador for First Nations People, Gooreng Gooreng man Justin Mohamed in his keynote: ‘Our young ones are running programs, speaking languages and telling stories that were once nearly silenced.’ With more than 230 presentations, a younger-generation of voices were heard and called upon to carry the torch and take forward the work in Dr O’Donoghue’s honour – as she said in 2016, ‘the future is in good hands’.
A place of power
Throughout the conference delegates were reminded of the Uluru Statement from the Heart, and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia to stay true to that. As Joshua Creamer, barrister and Waanyi and Kalkadoon man, highlighted on the final day of the conference – it is a long game. Change takes time, and the work you do here in Australia resonates within First Nations communities around the world. We must be strong and fearless, standing together as Indigenous people.
Professor Sheryl Lightfoot, hailing from Anishinaabe, Lake Superior Band, Canada, noted, ‘This is not just a health conference – it is a gathering on Indigenous terms … this gathering is a place of power’. She spoke of harnessing that power through the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and ‘what it means to stand on strong foundations rooted in Indigenous lore and knowledge to pursue fearless transformations in governance and policy.’
Conferences like this are a rare opportunity for us to come together – but there is strength in Indigenous peoples when we do come together – we force a shift in power. As Professor Lightfoot said, ‘Participation that does not change power dynamics is not true participation’. This shift is something we have heard a lot about, from legal mechanisms nationally
and internationally – to grassroots movements and change being driven by our communities. Together we can force that shift.
The conference concluded with a profound speech and poem from Distinguished Professor Linda Tuhiwai Smith from Aotearoa, NZ (Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Porou, Tuhourangi).
Stand as a knowledge-holder and a storyteller.
Stand in solidarity.
Stand up to, stand against, but mostly stand strong for something worthwhile …
Be fearless, she whispers, as we enter the space of safety, honouring celebration.
Be fearless, as we honour the leadership and service of Lowitja O’Donoghue.
Be fearless as we recognise the continuing stewardship and drive of Pat Anderson …
Work together, in a spirit of generosity.
Work together, to achieve wellbeing for our peoples, our lands, and waters.
Work together, to hold ourselves accountable …
Listen to the whispers of ancestral hope that will drive your work.
Listen to the whispers of ancestral love that will keep you well.
Stand strong, be fearless, work together, travel well …
– Linda Tuhiwai Smith
