The Indigenous Health Research Unit (IHRU) at VCHRI is committed to decolonizing health research and transforming health care by embedding Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing. Grounded in the In Plain Sight report and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), our approach ensures that Indigenous Peoples and communities lead and shape health research in ways that uphold self-determination, cultural sovereignty and relational accountability.
Our Purpose
Our purpose is to advance Indigenous-led health research by centering Indigenous voices, knowledge systems and priorities. We work to dismantle colonial barriers within VCHRI through reciprocity relationships, promoting culturally safe approaches to Indigenous health and wellbeing, and creating safer, more responsive health care to all.
Our Commitments
IHRU’s five interwoven commitments guide our work:
- Community Engagement and Leadership: We ensuring Indigenous Peoples define health research priorities and guide methodologies.
- Capacity Building: We support Indigenous scholars, students and community researchers through mentorship and training.
- Knowledge Translation and Policy Impact: We bridge research findings with policies and programs that reflect Indigenous worldviews.
- Ethical Research Practices: We uphold Indigenous data sovereignty, relational accountability and culturally grounded methodologies.
- Collaboration and Partnerships: We work alongside Indigenous communities, Nations, organizations and VCH allies in health research that promotes Indigenous health equity and improved health outcomes for Indigenous Peoples.