Conference presentation
Reclaiming Sovereignty: Embedding Indigenous Peoples Data Governance in Health Research and Practice
UniSC Research Conference, 2025 (Sunshine Coast, Australia, 27-Oct-2025–31-Oct-2025)
2025
Abstract
Progress toward health equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples remains slow, with many national “Closing the Gap” targets unmet. A key barrier is the lack of Indigenous Peoples control over health and research data, despite the vast amounts collected through government initiatives and academic projects. This keynote will explore the principles of Indigenous Data Sovereignty, highlighting their critical role in shifting power, ensuring cultural integrity, and driving more effective, self-determined health solutions. Drawing on my recent work in embedding Indigenous Data Sovereignty principles into nursing and health research, I will examine practical strategies for aligning research processes with Indigenous Peoples governance frameworks and Community priorities. Through this lens, and in alignment with the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP) recommendations on data governance and self-determination, I will discuss how universities, policymakers, and researchers can work in partnership with Indigenous Peoples and Communities to create a more ethical, impactful, and equitable research system.
Naomi Howell is an Eora/Wiradjuri woman and Associate Lecturer in Nursing at UniSC. Her research focuses on enhancing health outcomes for older adults and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. She actively engages in scholarship related to cultural safety and integrating Indigenous knowledge into health education. Naomi’s work aligns with both national priorities and regional health needs, including collaborative infection prevention initiatives in the Pacific, conducted with the Australian Centre for Pacific Islands Research. She is dedicated to transforming evidence into impactful healthcare improvements.
Details
- Title
- Reclaiming Sovereignty: Embedding Indigenous Peoples Data Governance in Health Research and Practice
- Authors
- Naomi Howell (Presenter) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - NursingLynne Stuart (Mandandanji Woman) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Indigenous and Transcultural Research Centre
- Additional notes
- Keynote presentation.
- Conference details
- UniSC Research Conference, 2025 (Sunshine Coast, Australia, 27-Oct-2025–31-Oct-2025)
- Date published
- 2025
- Organisation Unit
- Healthy Ageing Research Cluster; Indigenous and Transcultural Research Centre; School of Health - Nursing
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991175845802621
- Output Type
- Conference presentation
Metrics
9 File views/ downloads
29 Record Views