A major milestone for Whakauae leading into the International Network for Indigenous Health, Knowledge and Development (INIHKD) Conference 2025 at Tamaya, Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico, was the hosting of a satellite meeting with our long-time partners, the Seven Directions Indigenous Public Health Institute, a centre of public health based at the University of Washington.
The seeds of our partnership were planted through a Global Innovation Fund grant awarded in 2020 by the University of Washington Office of Global Affairs. That funding enabled a 12-month project titled Coming Together in Indigenous Praxis, which began in January 2021. The project aimed to establish an international Indigenous community of practice, laying the groundwork for collective research, knowledge sharing, and culturally grounded approaches to health equity.
A key achievement of that initiative was the creation of the International Indigenous Gathering Grounds (IIGG) – a community of practice made up of tribal-serving health and research organisations. The success of this work made it clear that a longer-term, formalised relationship would be critical to deepening impact. The values underpinning the agreement include collaboration, mutual respect, and Indigenous-led solutions tailored to the unique needs of each community served.
We were therefore delighted to be able to use the opportunity provided by the international conference to meet and formalise our relationship through the signing of an MoU between our respective organisations. Ben Shendo, a leader, Cultural Advisor, and cousin of one of the Seven Directions kaimahi, opened our day in accordance with local customs. Ben spoke briefly about the area, its history of colonisation by the Spaniards and the Catholic Church, and the impact colonisation had upon the many pueblo of New Mexico. With whakapapa links to Jemez and Cochiti pueblo, Ben enthralled our team with an account of colonisation unique to these lands, and the resilience of the local people who have maintained their traditions, customs and ceremonies regardless.
Following the formalities, the two Directors, Prof Myra Parker and Dr Amohia Boulton, presented the respective work programmes of their organisations and we engaged in a group discussion regarding opportunities for future funding and collaborative work. We concluded the day with the signing of our MoU document which itself signifies our renewed commitment to working together to strengthen Indigenous health systems. Whakauae and Seven Directions will continue to build on these foundations, supporting transformational change for Māori and other Indigenous communities.
Header Image: Members of Seven Directions and Whakauae from left: Marina van Pelt (Seven Directions), Ben Shendo (Cultural Leader and Marina’s cousin), Dr Christina Oré (Seven Directions), Dr Amohia Boulton, Prof Myra Parker (Director, Seven Directions), Omar Oré Giron (Christina's Brother), Dr Tanya Allport and Mr Utiku Potaka (Pou Tikanga).
Image one: Directors, Prof Myra Paker and Dr Amohia Boulton sign the MoU between the two centres.
Image two: Pou Tikanga (Cultural Advisor) Mr Utiku Potaka presents the Director of Seven Directions, Prof Myra Parker with a small gift, cementing our partnership.
A major milestone for Whakauae leading into the International Network for Indigenous Health, Knowledge and Development (INIHKD) Conference 2025 at Tamaya, Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico, was the hosting of a satellite meeting with our long-time partners, the Seven Directions Indigenous Public Health Institute, a centre of public health based at the University of Washington.
The seeds of our partnership were planted through a Global Innovation Fund grant awarded in 2020 by the University of Washington Office of Global Affairs. That funding enabled a 12-month project titled Coming Together in Indigenous Praxis, which began in January 2021. The project aimed to establish an international Indigenous community of practice, laying the groundwork for collective research, knowledge sharing, and culturally grounded approaches to health equity.
A key achievement of that initiative was the creation of the International Indigenous Gathering Grounds (IIGG) – a community of practice made up of tribal-serving health and research organisations. The success of this work made it clear that a longer-term, formalised relationship would be critical to deepening impact. The values underpinning the agreement include collaboration, mutual respect, and Indigenous-led solutions tailored to the unique needs of each community served.
We were therefore delighted to be able to use the opportunity provided by the international conference to meet and formalise our relationship through the signing of an MoU between our respective organisations. Ben Shendo, a leader, Cultural Advisor, and cousin of one of the Seven Directions kaimahi, opened our day in accordance with local customs. Ben spoke briefly about the area, its history of colonisation by the Spaniards and the Catholic Church, and the impact colonisation had upon the many pueblo of New Mexico. With whakapapa links to Jemez and Cochiti pueblo, Ben enthralled our team with an account of colonisation unique to these lands, and the resilience of the local people who have maintained their traditions, customs and ceremonies regardless.
Following the formalities, the two Directors, Prof Myra Parker and Dr Amohia Boulton, presented the respective work programmes of their organisations and we engaged in a group discussion regarding opportunities for future funding and collaborative work. We concluded the day with the signing of our MoU document which itself signifies our renewed commitment to working together to strengthen Indigenous health systems. Whakauae and Seven Directions will continue to build on these foundations, supporting transformational change for Māori and other Indigenous communities.
Header Image: Members of Seven Directions and Whakauae from left: Marina van Pelt (Seven Directions), Ben Shendo (Cultural Leader and Marina’s cousin), Dr Christina Oré (Seven Directions), Dr Amohia Boulton, Prof Myra Parker (Director, Seven Directions), Omar Oré Giron (Christina's Brother), Dr Tanya Allport and Mr Utiku Potaka (Pou Tikanga).
Image one: Directors, Prof Myra Paker and Dr Amohia Boulton sign the MoU between the two centres.
Image two: Pou Tikanga (Cultural Advisor) Mr Utiku Potaka presents the Director of Seven Directions, Prof Myra Parker with a small gift, cementing our partnership.
