Grant: Inuit Research Network Grant

Through colonialist attitudes and policies, Inuit have historically been excluded from much of the conduct and benefit of research, despite being among the most studied Indigenous peoples on earth. Over time, research has primarily served the research community at the expense and exploitation of Inuit. Although research relationships have begun to change for the better in recent years, Inuit roles and influence in research and its administration across our homeland often remain marginal. Advancing Inuit self-determination in research is an important step towards reconciliation. The work proposed here represents early steps towards the establishment of an Inuit Research Network across Inuit Nunangat that promotes a self-determined and strengths-based approach to health and health-related research. Once established, the Network will facilitate, support, and empower Inuit to be involved in research that benefits Inuit and their families and communities. This is an ambitious goal and its full realization is beyond the immediate scope of this project, but we will make meaningful progress towards it through the actions and objectives we describe herein. Our proposal follows a bottom-up and self-determined design, with each regional land claims organization identifying regional priorities and actions for their component of the Inuit Research Network. Across regions, these priorities and actions have been integrated and organized into a coherent vision to support the development and begin implementation for an Inuit Research Network across Canada that will work to advance Inuit self-determination in research, strengthen and promote Inuit-led research approaches and methodologies, facilitate partnerships to build awareness and respect for Inuit research priorities, and build capacity for research in Inuit communities.