The Indigenous Health Program supports a broad spectrum of activities, including:

• Community engagement and priority-setting activities
• Capacity-building and training initiatives (e.g., internships, summer schools, workshops, knowledge mobilization events)
• Development of culturally safe research frameworks and protocols
• Disease-focused genomic medicine research projects
• Therapeutic research initiatives addressing health disparities
• Initiatives in genomic medicine (e.g., whole genome sequencing or genotyping projects) conducted under Indigenous governance and data sovereignty principles

All research activities supported under this program must align with Indigenous data sovereignty principles, including (OCAP), and be consistent with D2R鈥檚 Indigenous Research Framework.

Given the heterogeneity of potential initiatives, funding amounts and duration for this program are flexible. All funded projects must uphold strong ethical, scientific and governance standards.

The program consists of two complementary funding streams:

Stream 1: Indigenous Health and Genomics Initiatives

• Supports research projects and other multi-year initiatives addressing Indigenous health priorities. This can be through genomics or other approaches, from design, to community engagement, to implementation at the individual or population level.

Stream 2: Indigenous Health Engagement Initiatives

• Supports community engagement activities, including but not limited to workshops, knowledge mobilization, and other short-term initiatives that strengthen partnerships and support Indigenous research capacity.

The D2R Indigenous Health Program aims to:

• Support Indigenous-led or community-engaged initiatives aligned with Indigenous health priorities.
• Advance genomics-informed activities and related approaches that contribute to improved health equity for First Nations, Inuit, and M茅tis peoples.
• Strengthen Indigenous knowledge in genomic medicine and associated health outcome, through partnerships, training, mentorship, and community engagement.
• Promote responsible Indigenous data governance frameworks consistent with OCAP and FAIR (findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable) principles.

Budgeting Principles: Budget must align with project milestones. Requests should reflect actual project needs. Use the templates and provide clear justification for each item.

• Salaries, benefits, and stipends for highly qualified personnel (HQP)
• Compensation to community knowledge holders, Elders, advisors, and expert contributors
• Incentives or compensation for participants.
• Professional & technical services, including translation services, community facilitation and cultural advisory services
• Equipment (up to $10,000 combined maximum cost for all pieces of equipment, unless otherwise justified).
• Supplies, consumables
• User fees (including use of core facilities such as sequencing platforms)
• Computers and electronic communications
• Travel and subsistence for community engagement, field work, conferences and other research-related travel
• Knowledge mobilization, translation, dissemination, and community reporting activities
• Other relevant direct costs that comply with the

Principal Investigator (PI) Eligibility

• 麻豆传媒网站 faculty members.
• Faculty members from D2R partner institutions (University of British Columbia, University of Ottawa, Universit茅 de Sherbrooke, and IRCM) who are approved by D2R.
• Applications led by partner-institution faculty must include at least one 麻豆传媒网站 researcher as a Co-Investigator (Co-I).

Co-Investigator (Co-I) Eligibility

• 麻豆传媒网站 faculty members.
• Faculty members from D2R partner institutions (University of British Columbia, University of Ottawa, Universit茅 de Sherbrooke, and IRCM) who are included in the list of approved researchers provided by the partners and approved by D2R.

Collaborators

• May include individuals from academia, industry, government, Indigenous communities, health authorities, or community organizations.
• Indigenous community partners, Indigenous organizations, and knowledge holders are expected to participate in the project in advisory, governance, knowledge-sharing, or implementation roles, as appropriate to the initiative. Evidence of partnership and engagement or a well laid out plan must be provided.
• Collaborators may receive compensation for defined roles (e.g., community coordination, knowledge sharing, advisory services, or participation as Elders or community knowledge holders), subject to institutional policies and appropriate agreements.
• Where funding is provided to non-academic or community partners, appropriate administrative and governance arrangements must be established in accordance with 麻豆传媒网站 policies and CFREF guidelines.

Applications are accepted at any time. The application consists of an online form and specific documents to upload. Use the templates provided.

Application requirements vary depending on the funding stream selected. Please select the appropriate online form and corresponding templates .

• Stream 1 online form
• Stream 2 online form

5.1 Online Form

The online听form includes the following sections:

• Principal Investigator鈥檚 identification
• Principal-Investigator鈥檚 Early Career Researcher status
• Team member identification
• Project Title
• Five keywords
• Lay Abstract (up to 100 words)
• Project duration
• Budget requested
• Description of research data (if applicable) and management plan
• Research ethics review requirement

5.2 Documents to Upload

The following documents are required for both streams unless otherwise specified. Use the templates provided.

• Proposal
  1. Stream 1 Template
  2. Stream 2 Template
• D2R Biosketch (Template) or Tri-Agency Narrative CV.
• Required for the Principal Investigator, each Co-Investigator, and any named Postdoctoral Fellow(s).
• Not required for Collaborators.
• Budget and Justification (Template)
• Milestones and Timelines for Stream 1 only. (Template)
• Reviewer Suggestions for Stream 1 only (Template)
• Letters of support, where relevant (e.g., from Indigenous communities, partner organizations, or institutions confirming collaboration or alignment with the initiative).

5.3 Stream Comparison

听	Stream 1: Indigenous Health and Genomics Initiatives	Stream 2: Indigenous Health Engagement Initiatives
Proposal length	English: up to 9 pages French: up to 10 pages	English: up to 3 pages French: up to 4 (French)
Intended activities	Research projects and multi-year capacity building initiatives	Engagement activities, workshops, knowledge sharing
Review process	Peer review	Internal review

Stream 1 | Indigenous Health and Genomics Initiatives

Online Application Form

A. Project Summary

• Provide an overview of the project's objectives, approach, and anticipated outcomes.
• Clearly describe how the project aligns with the goals of the D2R Indigenous Health Program.

B. Introduction and Background

• Situate the project within the relevant scientific, clinical, or community context.
• Identify specific gaps in knowledge, practice, or access that the project aims to address, particularly as they relate to Indigenous health and equity.
• Where applicable, describe prior engagement, partnerships, or discussions that inform the proposed work.

C. Proposal

• Clearly articulate the project鈥檚 objectives and methodology.
• Describe the scientific, clinical, or translational approaches to be used.
• Where applicable, explain how the project integrates genomic medicine or RNA-based approaches.
• Describe potential risks or challenges and proposed mitigation strategies.
• Describe how community engagement, partnership development, or co-design activities are integrated into the approach, including how these activities support current or future genomics-related work.

D. Research Team and Partnerships

• Outline each team member鈥檚 role and contribution, including Indigenous partners.
• Describe relevant expertise and how the team composition supports successful implementation.
• Where applicable, describe partnerships with Indigenous communities, health authorities, or organizations, and demonstrate meaningful collaboration and governance alignment.

E. Knowledge Sharing and Impact

• Describe the anticipated outcomes and potential impact of the project.
• Explain how findings, services, or outputs will be shared with relevant participants, including Indigenous partners where applicable.
• Describe plans for community reporting, knowledge exchange, or culturally appropriate dissemination.
• Where relevant, outline data sharing, intellectual property considerations, and long-term sustainability.

F. Ethical Considerations

Describe:

• The source of any samples and consent processes
• Use of Indigenous or culturally sensitive materials
• Community engagement and approval processes
• Anticipated risks and mitigation strategies
• Cultural safety considerations

G. Data Governance and Stewardship

Describe:

• Data collection, storage, retention, and access practices
• Data ownership and stewardship arrangements
• Security and privacy protections

H. Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Plan

Describe your project-specific EDI considerations, addressing both research design and research practice, where relevant to the nature of the initiative.

Describe how the project:

• Engages Indigenous communities in respectful and meaningful ways, including distinctions-based approaches where appropriate (First Nations, Inuit, and M茅tis).
• Incorporates diverse perspectives, knowledge systems, and lived experiences in the research design or activities.
• Promotes equitable participation and opportunities for trainees, community members, or partners.
• Ensures culturally safe, inclusive, and accessible research environments and activities.

Applicants should address EDI considerations in both:

EDI in Research Design

Describe how EDI considerations are reflected in the research approach or initiative. Examples may include:

• Considering community priorities and perspectives in research questions or project design
• Using culturally appropriate methods or Indigenous knowledge approaches where relevant
• Ensuring inclusive dissemination and knowledge sharing with communities and partners

EDI in Research Practice

Describe how EDI considerations are reflected in the organization of the project or initiative. Examples may include:

• Inclusive team composition, including involvement of Indigenous researchers, trainees, Elders, or knowledge holders where appropriate
• Equitable access to training, mentorship, or participation opportunities
• Creating respectful, culturally safe, and accessible research or engagement environments

I. Budget

• Use the budget template provided
• Provide a high-level summary of the budget and justifications, especially for expenses which may require additional context.

J. References

• List only works cited in the Project Description.
• Include DOIs where available

Stream 2 | Indigenous Health Engagement Initiatives

Online Application Form

A. Initiative Summary

• Brief description of the proposed activity or event.
• Objectives and intended outcomes.

B. Community Relevance and Alignment

• Description of how the initiative aligns with the objectives of the D2R Indigenous Research Program.
• Explanation of community relevance or partnership (where applicable).
• Where applicable, describe how the initiative aligns with OCAP principles or other community governance considerations.
• Brief description of how principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion are considered in the design and delivery of the initiative.

C. Implementation Plan

• Description of planned activities.
• Timeline (if applicable).
• Key individuals involved and their roles.

D. Budget

• Brief budget summary and justification.

6.1 Funding Decision

Funding decisions will consider alignment with the objectives of the D2R Indigenous Research Program, demonstrated community relevance (where applicable), governance and data sovereignty requirements, and the overall merit of the proposed initiative.

6.2 Announcement of Results

Principal Investigators will be informed of the results by email.
Where applicable, feedback regarding EDI considerations may also be provided.

6.3 Notice of Award

Successful applicants will receive a Notice of Award, which details the terms, conditions, and reporting obligations.

For additional information about the program or to discuss a project that might be relevant for consideration, please contact: D2R.Funding [at] mcgill.ca (subject: Indigenous%20Health%20Program)