Strengthening Indigenous research and training in Canada is about Indigenous Peoples setting their own research priorities, guiding how research is done and how data is used, and having equitable access to research and training opportunities. It enhances research excellence in Canada by improving research outcomes for the benefit of First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities and is an essential step in advancing reconciliation.

“The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation celebrates the important work of the CRCC and the tri-agencies, in responding to Call to Action 65 and encourages ongoing efforts across all federal departments and agencies to uphold and advance the TRC Calls to Action and Principles of Reconciliation. The NCTR has enjoyed a close working relationship with colleagues at federal research funding agencies in the development of a national reconciliation research strategy. This strategy, with its proactive affirmation of Indigenous organizations, qualifications and research methodologies, represents a significant step forward in ensuring all voices are heard in the search for new knowledge and understanding.”

—Ry Moran, Director, National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation

“First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples need to be able to set their own research priorities and to lead research projects that directly benefit their communities. The strategic directions in this report were developed in collaboration with Indigenous partners and reflect the Government of Canada’s commitment to improving research excellence in Canada while moving further towards reconciliation.”

—The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

“On behalf of the CRCC and its members, I would like to thank the Indigenous researchers and communities who shared their wisdom and experiences that informed the strategic directions in this report. Canada’s federal research funding agencies look forward to working closely with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples to implement these new models for Indigenous research and training that will improve research outcomes to the benefit of Indigenous communities.”

—Ted Hewitt, Chair, Canada Research Coordinating Committee; and President, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council

• Budget 2018 committed $3.8 million to the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) to develop (on behalf of the CRCC and in collaboration with the federal research funding agencies) a strategic research plan that identifies new ways of doing research with and by First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities.

• In collaboration with Indigenous partners, the CRCC organized a series of 14 regional engagement events, including roundtables and workshops across Canada, between July 2018 and March 2019. 

• In fall 2018, the Government of Canada awarded 116 Indigenous Research Capacity and Reconciliation Connection Grants, each with a value up to $50,000, for a total value of $5.6 million. The majority were awarded to Indigenous not-for-profit organizations to organize engagement activities with their communities and to develop position papers.

• A National Dialogue was held in Ottawa in March 2019 with Indigenous Research Capacity and Reconciliation Connection Grant holders, Indigenous community members, and representatives from Canada’s federal research funding agencies, to discuss themes that emerged throughout the engagement process.

• Budget 2019 committed $824 million over 10 years to support a distinctions-based approach to Indigenous postsecondary education.

Associated links

• Setting new directions to support Indigenous research and research training in Canada: Strategic Plan 2019-2022
• Recipients of the Indigenous Research Capacity and Reconciliation Connection Grants
• Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
• Canada Research Coordinating Committee
• Canada’s Science Vision

Véronique Simard
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
Tel.: 343-291-1710
Email: veronique.simard2@canada.ca

Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
Tel.: 343-291-1777
Email: ic.mediarelations-mediasrelations.ic@canada.ca

Michelle Paradis
Media Relations
Canada Research Coordinating Committee
Cell: 343-549-6141
Email: medias@sshrc-crsh.gc.ca

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