A Holistic Approach to Care Using Pacific Indigenous Frameworks That Can Benefit All
| Tuesday, May 13, 2025 |
| 9:05 AM - 9:35 AM |
| Ballroom 1 |
Overview
Dr Inez Fainga'a-Manu Sione, Community Research Fellow of Village Connect & Griffith University
Speaker
Dr Inez Faingaa-Manusione
Community Research Fellow
Village Connect & Griffith University
A Holistic Approach to Care Using Pacific Indigenous Frameworks That Can Benefit All
Abstract
One size does not fit for all, yet our services and the dominant culture upon which our health systems are founded upon are often Western centric. To authentically be diverse, inclusive and equitable in our practices, the ways of Indigenous peoples need amplification, as such knowledges have often remained hidden within the depths of cultural communities and not within the clinical contexts. This presentation emphasises and celebrates what First Nations people of Australia call "two ways strong" or "two worlds strong". This practical hands on session will use activity based learning to teach Pacific methodologies which can expand on the practice of mainstream providers to be culturally inclusive of Indigenous communities and beyond. It is the ability to embrace the best of both worlds, that of the Pacific and the West to deliver a holistic way of healing and wellness that can benefit all.
Biography
Dr Inez Fainga'a-Manusione was born in Fiji to Tongan parents, and married a Samoan chief. Inez and her family were adopted into the Gumatj clan. She has spent 25 years working alongside Māori and Pasifika families within health, education and youth justice. She uses her Bachelor of Theatre, Bachelor of Laws and Business and her Doctorate of Education to inform her current role with Pathways in Place as a Community Research Fellow with the Pasifika charity, Village Connect. This is Australia's first Pasifika Holistic Health hub co-locating within a Pasifika church, weaving together spiritual, clinical, cultural, communal and holistic wellness.
Co Presenter - Shane Senituli
Shane Senituli is an Australian Pasifika psychologist who has experience working across high performance and community sport, forensic, clinical, and community mental health settings. Shane is currently one of the club-based psychologists at the Redcliffe Dolphins and the Gold Coast Titans with League Ahead. He is also part of the extended NRL Specialist Mental Health Network, providing a culturally sensitive service collaborating Western and Pasifika evidenced based practice to Pasifika players within the NRL/NRLW.
https://www.maximizeperformance.com.au/
Moderator
Shinade Hartman
Virtual Manager
AST Management
Renee Morley
Conference Manager
AST Management
Lise Saunders
Program Manager
Australian & New Zealand Mental Health Association
Mel Stewart
Director
AST Management
