Grant: Operating Grant: NEIHR - Alberta

The Indigenous Primary Health Care and Policy Research (IPHCPR) Network will support researchers, health system leadership, health service providers and Indigenous community to come together to build knowledge for improving primary health care (PHC) for Indigenous peoples. The Network will nurture research that responds to the needs of community, is grounded within Indigenous ethics and addresses the impacts of ongoing colonization of Indigenous peoples. In nurturing this research, the Network seeks to clearly define the emerging knowledge area of Indigenous PHC which is unique as it is deeply connected to community knowledge as well as social, political, clinical and population health care knowledge areas. In alignment with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, the Network will build knowledge for the PHC system to be effective in supporting Indigenous people in their healing from multi-generational adverse life experiences and gaining wellness through connecting with Indigenous knowledge. It will build knowledge to shape health care and policy that truly addresses social issues (such as poverty and racism) that produce the overwhelming toxic and stressful social environments that undermine health and wellness,. The Network will use this knowledge to advocate for transforming the PHC system to ensure accessible and quality health care that is focused on promoting health equity with Indigenous peoples. Not only will the IPHCPR Network foster good and relevant research grounded in Indigenous Ways of Knowing and Equity, it will help others to gain knowledge and skill in PHC and policy research and support community to engage and lead its own research activities. The Network will mentor and support individuals in their research training and provide opportunities for collaboration, sharing and connecting through meaningful events (science cafés, seminars, meetings, forums) and through on-line resources and approaches.