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School of Social Work

INIHKD 2026 focuses on reclaiming Indigenous ecologies and health

Multiple members of the INIHKD committee pose for a photo outside.

May 27, 2026 

“Reclaiming Indigenous Ecologies of Love for Future Generations” is the powerful title of the 2026 International Network of Indigenous Health, Wellness & Development (INIHKD conference, held in the Cook Islands of the South Pacific.

Hosted this November by the Indigenous Wellness Research Institute (IWRI) in the UW School of Social Work, the annual, week-long conference will convene Indigenous scholars, researchers, practitioners, creatives and community leaders from around the world.  

This year’s conference will highlight Indigenous leadership in addressing critical health and wellbeing issues impacting Indigenous communities globally across three interconnected sub‑themes: Indigenous Health and Healing; Environmental and Ecological Systems; and Advanced Technologies and AI. 

Led by IWRI, a University of Washington School of Social Work research center, and its co-directors, Dr. Michelle Johnson-Jennings and Dr. Tessa Evans-Campbell, INIHKD will feature the voices of numerous Indigenous scholars, researchers and leaders presenting in formats including panels, creative workshops, videos and more. Established in 2002, INIHKD is a shared waters alliance spanning Aotearoa, Australia, Canada, Hawaiʻi, the United States and the Pacific Islands. Registration is still open for attendees and those interested in presenting. 

INIHKD is committed to advancing science into the future with indigenous knowledges, scholarship excellence and the aspirations of communities through international knowledge sharing, networks and partnerships. Part of its mission to collaborate with indigenous people globally in research, tribal capacity building and knowledge sharing. 

Professor Evans-Campbell smiles on a sunny day, while wearing a multi-colored shawl over a red shirt, and teal and red earrings.Dr. Evans-Campbell is a professor at the University of Washington School of Social Work and a Snohomish tribal member and a former Tribal Council Member. Her research focuses on Indigenous health promotion, historical trauma, resistance and healing, Native family well-being, substance use prevention and child welfare in tribal communities. 

Professor Johnson-Jennings smiles on a sunny day, while wearing a red and black scarf over a red shirt, and large, circular earrings.Dr. Johnson-Jennings is a professor at the University of Washington in the Schools of Social Work and Public Health. She is a Choctaw tribal member, clinical health psychologist and the founding director of IWRI’s Indigenous Environmental Health and Land-based Healing Division.