Marking the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Statement from Dr. Paul Hébert, President of CIHR, and Dr. Chelsea Gabel, Scientific Director, CIHR Institute of Indigenous Peoples’ Health

On September 30, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, we remember the children who never came home, honour Survivors, and acknowledge the families and communities forever affected by residential schools. This day is a time to listen, learn, and reflect on the truths of our shared history, and to act.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action challenge us to transform health and research systems in Canada. At CIHR, we are committed to advancing Calls to Action 18 to 24, by working to close gaps in health outcomes, ensuring culturally safe care, and strengthening First Nations-, Métis- and Inuit-led research. This means:

  • Investing in Indigenous-led health research through expanded funding programs designed and governed in partnership with Indigenous Peoples.
  • Embedding Indigenous governance and review into all CIHR funding processes involving Indigenous data, knowledge, or communities.
  • Reporting annually on our progress towards TRC-aligned goals so our actions remain transparent and accountable.

Alongside our partners at the other research granting councils, we are deepening support for Indigenous self-determination in research. This includes targeted funding to support First Nations, Inuit, and Métis researchers in launching their research faculty careers, and renewing funding for the Network Environments for Indigenous Health Research. To date, efforts like the NEIHRs initiative have supported hundreds of Indigenous researchers and trainees in building research programs rooted in community priorities, and growing this impact in the years ahead will remain a priority.

We acknowledge the deep harm caused by past research practices and the trust that must be rebuilt. Moving forward, CIHR will work in true partnership with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities to co-develop new policies and funding frameworks. These frameworks will be distinctions-based and grounded in the priorities of each People, ensuring that research actively contributes to healing, affirms sovereignty, and upholds Indigenous rights at every stage of the research process.

Reconciliation is not a single day’s work. It is an ongoing responsibility CIHR carries forward with humility, accountability, and a clear plan for change. CIHR will also work with the community to refresh its commitments to advancing Indigenous health research in Canada and recognize the unique rights and needs of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples.

Sincerely,

Dr. Paul Hébert
President, Canadian Institutes of Health Research

Dr. Chelsea Gabel
Scientific Director, CIHR Institute of Indigenous Peoples’ Health

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