Atlantic Indigenous health research network receives $4M from Ottawa

The Wabanaki-Labrador Indigenous Health Research Network, a vital organization working with Indigenous communities in Atlantic Canada, is set to benefit from renewed federal funding. Debbie Martin, the lead of the organization and Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Peoples Health and Well-Being at Dalhousie University, announced that the network will receive $4 million over the next five years.

This funding will empower Indigenous communities to have more control over health research initiatives. Martin emphasized the importance of listening to the needs of the communities and using the funding to support research projects identified by the communities themselves. By allowing communities to direct the research focus and funding, the work can be tailored to meet local priorities and ensure that it aligns with the community’s vision.

The Wabanaki-Labrador network, established in 2019, comprises Indigenous community members, organizations, and researchers in the Atlantic region. The network is dedicated to providing grants for workshops and projects that enhance knowledge about health research within community groups. By building capacity for Indigenous health research, the network aims to foster collaboration and empower communities to drive their own research initiatives.

One of the network’s key initiatives is the Atlantic Indigenous Mentorship Network, which has witnessed a significant increase in applications for financial support. This demonstrates the growing interest and engagement in Indigenous health research within the region.

In Labrador, Jamie Snook, an adjunct professor at Memorial University, is involved in a research project focusing on the health and well-being impacts of Inuit youth engaging in traditional activities such as hunting and receiving mentorship from elders. The project, funded by the Wabanaki-Labrador network, was initiated by the Torngat Wildlife and Plants Co-Management Board, an organization stemming from the Labrador Inuit land claim agreement. This community-driven approach ensures that research aligns with local values and priorities.

The federal funding for the Wabanaki-Labrador network is part of a larger investment by the government to support Indigenous health research networks across Canada. The $37.6 million commitment underscores the significance of community-led research initiatives and the importance of empowering Indigenous communities to shape their own health outcomes.

Overall, the continued support for Indigenous health research networks reflects a commitment to fostering collaboration, building capacity, and prioritizing Indigenous voices in research initiatives. By empowering communities to drive research projects and allocate funding, the Wabanaki-Labrador network is paving the way for meaningful and impactful health research in Atlantic Canada.