Two of Queensland University of Technology's (QUT) leading Indigenous students have jetted off to British Columbia, Canada, after being chosen to participate in a prestigious international ambassadors program.
QUT academic and current PhD student Melissa Walker and student of Law and Applied Science Ivan Ingram are participating in the Queensland Indigenous Student Ambassadors Program British-Columbia Study Tour.
The pair will spend the next fortnight gaining valuable insights into a range of Indigenous-related issues while they tour universities in the Canadian province.
The program aims to foster collaboration and information sharing between Queensland and British Columbia particularly in relation to the economic independence and sustainability of Aboriginal communities in areas such as health and Indigenous tertiary education policy and practice.
Melissa Walker has over 21 years experience in nursing and Indigenous health practice and mentors and provides valuable support to Indigenous students through the Indigenous Tutorial Assistance Scheme.
She's also a Member of the Urban Participation Advisory Health group that advocates directly to the Minister for Indigenous Affairs for Indigenous health outcomes and is key to the development of an Indigenous Women's Wellness Health Program being created at QUT.
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A mother of five, Ms Walker is an inspiration to women and students both Indigenous and non-Indigenous.
Ivan Ingram has a keen interest in Indigenous legal issues and while in British Columbia hopes to gain a better understanding of the province's system for recognising Aboriginal land titleship. He'll meet with scholars and others who were a driving force behind the system and will bring his insights back to Australia.
Mr Ingram tutors Indigenous law students at QUT and is a prominent student representative on many QUT boards and committees including the Faculty of Law Academic Board.
Media contact: Rose Trapnell, QUT media officer, 07 3138 2999 or rosetrapnell@qut.edu.au
