Grant: Operating Grant: NEIHR - Consortium NEIHR Grant

The natawihowin and mamawiikikayaahk Research, Training and Mentorship Networks (SK-NEIHR) is led by a consortium of First Nations, Métis and allied individuals, organizations, communities, and institutions with long-established leadership and working relationships in Indigenous health research, training, and knowledge mobilization (KM). Since 2019, the leadership team, consisting of First Nations, Métis, and settler allies/accomplices, has worked closely with Métis and First Nations partners to implement the SK-NEIHR. In response to infrastructure and sustainability needs, SK-NEIHR continues to improve and increase partnerships with the University of Regina, First Nations University of Canada, and local Indigenous community partnerships through community engagement activities. To continue advancing the breadth and depth of Indigenous health and wellbeing research provincially, nationally, and internationally, the SK-NEIHR is framing its renewal around the concept of Indigenous futurism. This concept focuses on multiple forms of KM which expresses Indigenous perspectives that encompasses an intergenerational framework. The SK-NEIHR is taking this conceptual thinking into health and wellbeing research, where intergenerational understandings and approaches will frame how research is undertaken and disseminated, embedding mentoring principles that honours the seven generation teachings, throughout the research life cycle. Indigenous futurism shifts the focus from historical points that have caused pain, trauma, or a crisis, to how Indigenous Peoples can envision a healthier future for themselves, family, community, and nations. Indigenous futurism positions Indigenous knowledges, experiences, and science as the leading partner within research methods. Indigenous futurism in health research looks to embrace technologies not as Western, but as tools that when used within Indigenous frameworks, can support, and improve knowledge about Indigenous health and wellbeing.