CFI backs community-led research in the North with $10 million in investments
On National Indigenous Peoples Day, the Government of Canada announced an investment of $10 million in research initiatives aimed at benefiting Canada's North. This funding comes from the Canada Foundation for Innovation's (CFI) Northern Fund, which was developed in consultation with Northern research institutions to provide resources for labs and equipment that support research by and for the North.
Two research projects received $5 million each in funding. The Qaujigiartiit Health Research Centre, located in Iqaluit, Nunavut, will use the funds to construct a new facility with collaborative workspaces for research and community outreach. The center will also retrofit an adjacent building to establish a dedicated patient-oriented research unit and enhance digital capabilities to safeguard sensitive research and patient data. The centre has been addressing Nunavut's health research needs for 20 years through a combination of Inuit and Western methodologies.
The second project, SIKU: The Indigenous Knowledge App, will utilize CFI funding to enhance its software and data management capabilities. This app supports over 100 community-led projects by providing tools for environmental monitoring and stewardship. With a user base exceeding 40,000, it merges Indigenous knowledge with scientific approaches across various research areas, including climate studies and wildlife ecology.
The Honorable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry, emphasized the importance of these investments in empowering Northern communities to lead research and innovation initiatives. Lori Idlout, Member of Parliament for Nunavut, noted the necessity of tailored research to address the unique challenges faced by Nunavummiut. Sylvain Charbonneau, President and CEO of CFI, highlighted the significance of providing the necessary research infrastructure to guide growth in the Arctic.
Rosemary Gauthier, Executive Director of the Qaujigiartiit Health Research Centre, expressed gratitude for being the first recipient of the Northern Fund, stating that the investment marks a pivotal moment for Inuit-led research. Lucassie Arragutainaq, Chairman of the Arctic Eider Society, remarked on the potential of the SIKU app to empower Indigenous communities in monitoring and documenting changes using their knowledge systems.
The CFI is looking to expand its collaborations with Northern institutions and is inviting proposals across various research disciplines that serve Northern communities. The funding program encompasses the North, which includes Yukon, the Northwest Territories, Inuvialuit Settlement Region, Nunavut, Nunavik, and Nunatsiavut. The total $10 million investment combines resources from both the Northern Fund and the CFI's Infrastructure Operating Fund.