Extension of Strengthening Indigenous Research Capacity Strategic Plan to 2026

In 2018, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, on behalf of the Canada Research Coordinating Committe, led the co-development of a strategic plan to identify new ways of doing research by and with Indigenous communities, as part of the Strengthening Indigenous research capacity initiative.

The strategic plan, Setting New Directions to Support Indigenous Research and Research Training in Canada, was launched in 2020 and identifies four strategic directions, objectives and mechanisms to support Indigenous research and training:

1. Building relationships with First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples
2.  Supporting research priorities of Indigenous Peoples
3.  Creating greater funding accessibility to granting agency programs
4. Championing Indigenous leadership, self-determination and capacity-building in research

This plan represents the Government of Canada’s commitment to respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s call to establish a new relationship with Indigenous Peoples—one that creates a more equal society, respects the value of traditional knowledge systems and is based on mutual respect.

Replacing its original timeline of 2019 to 2022, the strategic plan has been extended to March 31, 2026. This extension reflects the impacts of COVID-19, funding considerations, and the recent establishment of the Indigenous Leadership Circle in Research, which plays an important role in providing monitoring and guidance  to ensure successful implementation of the strategy. The extended timeline will also ensure that work continues to proceed in partnership with Indigenous Peoples, and that anticipated outcomes and mechanisms published within the strategy demonstrate meaningful progress or are completed.

Associated link

Strengthening Indigenous Research Capacity | Building the Foundation—First Progress Report: 2020-21