Investing in Indigenous-led research is essential to meaningfully and sustainably advancing reconciliation in Canada. It empowers First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities to fully participate in research and research governance, address pressing challenges determined by Indigenous Peoples, and develop solutions that reflect their values and priorities. It also supports the protection and revitalization of Indigenous languages, traditions and knowledge systems that have been passed down for generations.
Today, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, and the Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health, announced a $12.7 million investment for Indigenous-focused research initiatives.
Led by Canada's three federal research funding agencies-the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC)-this investment will support 42 Indigenous-led research projects, which also prioritize Indigenous leadership.
These projects are supported by three funding opportunities, originally announced in Budget 2024:
- Indigenous Capacity and Leadership in Research Connection Grants;
- Indigenous Innovation and Leadership in Research Network Grants-Stage 1; and
- an expansion of the Inuit Research Network Grant (Phase 3).
Additional funding, through the Indigenous Innovation and Leadership in Research Network Grants-Stage 2, will be provided over the next four years.
