Grant: Operating Grant: NEIHR - Manitoba

Indigenous Peoples and communities have a long, often challenging relationship around research. In recent years, these relationships have healed and many communities and organizations have become leaders around self-determination in research. At the same time, Indigenous health researchers, many of whom are Indigenous women, have become emboldened and armored with ethical and effective approaches to Indigenous health research fostered by a growing network of scholars. This proposal, entitled Kishaadigeh, or "she who guards the lodge" is led primarily by Indigenous scholars, mostly women and Indigenous organizations who have a long history of being supported by and participating in the ACADRE/NEAHR programs. Due in part to the success of the ACADRE/NEAHR programs, Indigenous health scholars are now flourishing across campuses and in Indigenous organizations as the leaders and the ones who "guard the lodge". In many of our Indigenous communities, we see the responsibilities of "guarding of the lodge" as also guarding our stories and knowledge, a role often undertaken by women. The Manitoba NEIHR will develop a pathway for existing and upcoming Indigenous scholars (both men and women) to work with Indigenous organizations to clear the path for self-determination over research resulting in meaningful engagement that is ethical and impactful. The Manitoba NEIHR grant develop research lodges at the Indigenous community level with four Indigenous organizations which includes the First Nations Health and Social Secretariat of Manitoba (FNHSSM), the Manitoba Association for Friendship Centres (MAC), the Manitoba Inuit Association (MIA), and Aboriginal Youth Opportunities (AYO). The Manitoba NEIHR will ensure that the Indigenous partner organizations are resourced and supported by a regional and national network to develop and lead their own research priorities, in partnership with academic researchers functioning in a supportive role.