By Dr Isabella Evans
The second IDAA Conference was a truly inspirational day. The Conference was held on Kaurna Country at the Adelaide Convention Centre. The message was clear. “You have mob in dentistry. Our success is your success” stated Jessica Manuela, Co-President of IDAA.
A range of speakers spoke about the resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, despite intergenerational trauma and racism. Nancy Jeffrey, a proud Woolwonga woman from the Northern Territory, spoke about social and emotional wellbeing. Nancy stressed the importance of exposing the skills, strengths and knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Associate Professor Eleanor Parker and Dr Dylan Coleman discussed the Adelaide Dental School curriculum and championing cultural safety and Associate Professor Carmen Parker gave an inspirational talk about her lived experience in the face of white violence.
The Executive from Te Aō Marama, the New Zealand Māori Dental Association spoke about the power to bring your knowledge and lived experience as a First Nations person, and apply this within any setting in the oral care system. In traditional style, a dance and song was performed to illustrate their commitment to building relationships and connections with IDAA.
The closing panel discussion with IDAA Founding Members Dr Chris Bourke and Dr Katherine O’Donoghue, past IDAA President Dr Gari Watson and Te Aō Marama Executive Leanne Waaka revealed the challenges experienced as First Nations people working in health care.
The IDAA conference provided an invaluable opportunity to connect with Mob and allies of First Nations people. I left inspired and motivated as a proud Wiradjuri-Ngunnawal woman and dentist.
