BACKGROUND:
Colonial research paradigms have historically misrepresented Indigenous Knowledges, privileging Western biomedical frameworks and reinforcing inequities. Globally, there is growing recognition of the need to decolonize health research and embed culturally safe practices. The multi-award winning Guunu-maana (Heal) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Program at The George Institute for Global Health offers a model of First Nations leadership and governance that challenges dominant research norms and promotes self-determination.

METHODS:
This interactive session will introduce participants to the Guunu-maana model through a combination of short presentations, group discussions, and skill-building activities. The session will unpack principles of Indigenous governance, cultural safety, and relational research practice. Participants will engage in breakout exercises to identify colonial practices in their own research contexts and co-design strategies for embedding Indigenous Knowledges and culturally safe approaches.

RESULTS:
Over the past decade, Guunu-maana has transformed organisational culture within a global health institute, increasing recruitment and retention of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, supporting multiple Indigenous PhD completions, and influencing research design and policy. These outcomes demonstrate the effectiveness of embedding Indigenous leadership and cultural safety in research. During the session, participants will generate actionable steps tailored to their own contexts, fostering global applicability.

CONCLUSIONS:
Decolonizing health research requires moving beyond academic outputs to systemic change. The Guunu-maana model provides transferable lessons for embedding cultural safety and Indigenous governance in research globally. This session will equip participants with practical tools and strategies to advance equity and self-determination in public health research and practice.