On October 9, the Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health, announced an investment of $37.6 million over five years, through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, for the renewal of the Network Environments for Indigenous Health Research (NEIHR).
Across the country, NEIHRs bring together researchers, Indigenous leaders and community members to support community-based and scientifically excellent health research grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing. These networks work to address significant health disparities and train and mentor the next generation of First Nations, Inuit and Métis health researchers. Simply put, this investment is supporting health researchers who are studying ways of improving Indigenous health.
This continued investment supports the nine established NEIHR Centres in their vital work, assists the NEIHR National Coordinating Centre, and will also expand the program into the Yukon meaning this important program is now operating in every region of the country.
Quotes
"Supporting Indigenous health research and improving Indigenous health is a priority for our Government. By engaging Indigenous communities, Indigenous and non-Indigenous researchers, and many groups and organizations, the NEIHRs are supporting a national research agenda that benefits not just Indigenous Peoples, but all health research in Canada."
The Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health
"Since its launch in 2018, the NEIHR Program has been focused on the unique health needs of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis in Canada. The program creates supportive research environments for community-based research that is driven by Indigenous communities and grounded in Indigenous ways of understanding, also providing the space to grow and adapt with evolving needs."
The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario
"Research involving Indigenous Peoples is always a priority at CIHR. With a total investment of $107.8 million for the Network Environments for Indigenous Health Research, CIHR looks forward to continuing its partnership with Indigenous health researchers and communities across the country."
Dr. Tammy Clifford, Acting President, Canadian Institutes of Health Research
"The NEIHR centres are independent, Indigenous-led networks that provide supportive research environments for Indigenous health research driven by, and grounded in, Indigenous communities in Canada. This funding renewal means we can continue to support our community partners, our researchers, and our trainees in addressing complex issues in community and with community."
Dr. Robert Henry, Co-Lead, NEIHR National Coordinating Centre
"This is a big day for Indigenous health research in Canada. All 9 NEIHR Centres have guaranteed funding for five more years, funds have been designated to develop the new Yukon NEIHR Centre, and there's a stronger focus on training the next generation of Indigenous health researchers. This is the type of support that I had as a NEIHR funded student and the type of support that we need to improve the health and well-being of Indigenous Peoples."
Dr. Chelsea Gabel, Scientific Director, CIHR Institute of Indigenous Peoples' Health
Quick facts
- The Network Environments for Indigenous Health Research (NEIHR) initiative was developed to strengthen Indigenous research capacity, training and mentoring, and support Indigenous community-based health research that reflects the priorities and values of Indigenous Peoples. The NEIHR program is now active in all regions of Canada.
- October 9's announcement of $37.6 million over five years from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research represents the next phase of the agency's 2018 investment of $100.8M, the single largest investment ever made in Indigenous health research in Canada, which established NEIHR networks across the country. With a planned final phase of funding arriving in 2029, the total investment by the end of the program is expected to be close to $108 million.
- Through the NEIHR initiative, CIHR is supporting hundreds of Indigenous researchers and trainees, and significant Indigenous health research projects across the country.
- CIHR is committed to advancing Indigenous self-determination in health research and embedding Indigenous ways of knowing, learning and doing in our research programs.
Associated links
