Our Sponsors & Testimonials
If you would like to become a sponsor, please email iidrn@d.umn.edu or click the blue button to request a sponsorship form
Linda Bedeau - IIDRN Testimonial
Linda Bedeau - IIDRN Testimonial
Brent Gish IIDRN 2024 Testimonial
Jessy Dam IIDRN Testimonial
Testimonials | Video
Testimonials | Written
Jena Funakoshi
University of Hawaii at Manoa
This is my first time attending the International Indigenous Dementia Research Network (IIDRN) conference, and it has truly been a moving and transformative experience. One of the most impactful moments for me was listening to the community panels
something that I have not seen in other
conferences. Hearing from Elders, caregivers, and family members who have cared for or lost loved ones to ADD was both heart-wrenching and inspiring. Hearing their stories of love, loss, and resilience really hit home and
reminded me why I was drawn to this
research in the first place. It was a beautiful reminder that this work isn't just about gathering data or conducting research--it's about truly honoring the experiences of our Elders and the communities we care about.
Meagan Ody
University of Calgary
This is my first time attending the IIDRN conference, but hopefully not the last. Having the opportunity to present my thesis work at an Indigenous-specific dementia conference has been invaluable. This has been a unique experience to meet researchers committed to
improving Indigenous health equity. The ability to meet other trainees that are in similar stages of research has increased my
network of support and exploring Indigenous health from international perspectives has
illuminated ways to translate research to local contexts.
Anne O'Keefe
Elder Advisory Member
As a Dakota from the Lower Sioux Community and a member of the Elder Advisory Council in
Minnesota, this is my second year attending, and I'm enjoying it even more. I love connecting with other Indigenous communities, hearing their experiences in caring for relatives, and sharing stories to
bring back home. I'm so grateful to the Minnesota staff for planning such an incredible conference, and I hope to return next year, maybe with something to present
from the Dakota tribes.
Ariana Athy
University of Auckland
Taking part in the IIDRN 2024 conference has allowed me to identify the many common
threads that exist across Indigenous cultures in relation to understanding and caring for
people with dementia. I feel motivated as a student researcher knowing that positive
changes for Mãori (in New Zealand can have a ripple effect on other indigenous cultures
around the world.
A huge thank you to the IIDRN for providing me with a travel scholarship that made it possible for me to travel here all the way from New Zealand.
Kyle Conniff, PhD
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin
This conference is a unique and invaluable space that brings together Indigenous
researchers, community leaders, and Elders to share and celebrate our work in culturally relevant and meaningful ways. It's the only
place I've found where my research is embraced not for diversity checkboxes, but for
its true impact on Indigenous communities.
Hiraani Winikeri
Te Wananga O Aotearoa
I've been a caregiver (kaitiaki) for my mum since she started her journey with dementia back in 2017. In both my work and personal life, my focus is to grow ways of maintaining connection with her rather than the cognitive decline of the illness. I do this by drawing on
Mãori ways of knowing and being. Networking and story-sharing at IlDRN are absolutely vital for Indigenous people all around the world. We're all spiritual practitioners, and this space lets us safely share our stories and research with others who get where we're coming from. IIDRN has created opportunity for us that is like nowhere else in the world where we can be uniquely Indigenous.
Sponsors
2024
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2023
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If you would like to become a sponsor, please email iidrn@d.umn.edu or click the blue button to request a sponsorship form