The VCHRI Indigenous Health Research Unit (IHRU) is dedicated to advancing Indigenous health equity, ensuring cultural safety, and upholding the right to self-determination, all while championing research excellence and fostering meaningful partnerships. As the cornerstone for Indigenous health research within the VCHRI community, the IHRU is propelled by the wisdom and input of Indigenous communities, ensuring that collaborative engagement and research are at the forefront.
The IHRU is committed to:
Cultivating a Vibrant Research Community
By nurturing collaboration between Indigenous and ally researchers, the IHRU amplifies Indigenous perspectives in research, offers mentorship opportunities and advocates for research practices that honor cultural safety and Indigenous methodologies.
Upholding Ethical and Culturally Safe Research
The IHRU integrates ownership, control, access and possession (OCAP) principles within its rigorous ethics review process and crafts research protocols that are not only relevant but also provide tangible benefits to Indigenous communities.
Empowering Knowledge Mobilization
The unit actively supports researchers in securing grants, disseminates best practices, catalyzes systemic change in Indigenous health research and ensures that findings are accessible to Indigenous peoples.
Fostering Resource Development
Through strategic partnerships, the IHRU secures funding for critical research areas, benefits from insights of community-led research models and implements internal funding mechanisms to bolster research endeavors.
Advocating for Community Interests
The IHRU strengthens community bonds through transparent communication, involves Indigenous stakeholders in key decisions, integrates Indigenous Knowledge Systems into broader health care policies and promotes interventions that resonate with cultural values.