Reflecting, listening, learning: Our commitment to reconciliation
Statement on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Dear colleagues,
September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. This is a day to honour Survivors of residential schools, their families and communities, and to remember the children who never returned home.
At CIHR, it is also a time to reflect on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and on the responsibilities we carry as Canada’s federal health research investment agency.
These responsibilities include supporting Indigenous leadership and self-determination in health research, strengthening Indigenous research environments and pathways, and supporting research conducted by and with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples on priorities they define. It also means respecting Indigenous rights, knowledges, governance, and authority throughout the research process.
Initiatives such as the Network Environments for Indigenous Health Research (NEIHR) Program are strengthening Indigenous research capacity and supporting health research driven by First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities in Canada. The program now includes 10 NEIHRs and a National Coordinating Centre across the country.
Through initiatives like the NEIHR, Indigenous-led health research continues to make important contributions to improving health outcomes and strengthening our understanding of health and wellbeing. We celebrate the leadership and expertise of Indigenous researchers and communities whose work is making a meaningful impact.
At the same time, we recognize that reconciliation requires more than programs and investments. It requires sustained relationships, accountability, and continued change. Recent conversations with Indigenous leaders, organizations, and partners have reinforced the importance of rebuilding trust, listening with intention, and translating commitments into meaningful and sustained action.
In the coming days, communities and Indigenous organizations across Canada are hosting educational events, gatherings, and other learning opportunities. We encourage all people living in Canada to take part in these activities as a meaningful way to deepen their understanding and reflect on the ongoing impacts of the residential school system.
Together, as CIHR’s President and Scientific Directors, we remain committed to listening, learning, and acting with humility and accountability. This includes investing in Indigenous health research, strengthening Indigenous leadership and self-determination, supporting distinctions-based priorities, and working to ensure that the health research system better respects the rights, knowledge, priorities, and authority of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples.
On this National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we reaffirm our commitment to reconciliation, sustained action, accountability, and a willingness to change how we work.
Sincerely,
Dr. Paul Hébert
President, Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Dr. Chelsea Gabel
Scientific Director, CIHR Institute of Indigenous Peoples' Health
Dr. Christine Chambers
Scientific Director, CIHR Institute of Human Development, Child and Youth Health
Dr. Patricia Conrod
Scientific Director, CIHR Institute of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Addiction
Dr. Keith Fowke
Scientific Director, CIHR Institute of Infection and Immunity
Dr. Katherine Frohlich
Scientific Director, CIHR Institute of Population and Public Health
Dr. Rick Glazier
Scientific Director, CIHR Institute of Health Services and Policy Research
Dr. Mary Jung
Scientific Director, CIHR Institute of Nutrition, Metabolism and Diabetes
Dr. Angela Kaida
Scientific Director, CIHR Institute of Gender and Health
Dr. Fei-Fei Liu
Scientific Director, CIHR Institute of Cancer Research
Dr. Ariane Marelli
Scientific Director, CIHR Institute of Circulatory and Respiratory Health
Dr. Christopher McMaster
Scientific Director, CIHR Institute of Genetics
Dr. Jane Rylett
Scientific Director, CIHR Institute of Aging
Dr. Rae Yeung
Scientific Director, CIHR Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis
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