Supporting priority-driven research
Indigenous women’s and children’s health research is critical to addressing health inequities. By focusing on the unique strengths, needs, priorities and aspirations of distinctions-based Indigenous communities, we can create research that leads to meaningful, lasting change. WCHRI is committed to walking alongside Indigenous communities as relational partners. Through shared governance, support for Indigenous-led projects, and culturally safe research practices, our work ensures that outcomes reflect the unique and distinctions-based Indigenous knowledge systems and contribute to stronger, healthier futures for Indigenous women, children, and families.
History of Indigenous health research at WCHRI
Though the Women and Children’s Health Research Institute (WCHRI) has long recognized the importance of supporting Indigenous health research as a priority (including directly noting it in our most recent strategic plan), in 2024 the institute made an intentional shift from awareness to action by deepening its relationships with distinctions-based Indigenous scholars, community members, and research teams. This commitment was expressed through participation in Elder-led ceremonies with community members, researchers, clinicians, and staff to collectively affirm a shared responsibility to carry this work forward in a good way. The program then strengthened its community-driven approach by hosting three strategic planning meetings, one of which took place in Maskwacis to gather input from Maskwacis community members about their vision for youth health and well-being. WCHRI also worked with community members, researchers, and staff to establish an Indigenous Knowledge Circle to support the sharing of knowledge across WCHRI-funded Indigenous health research initiatives. In addition, the institute supported the recruitment of Grant Bruno, Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics, as its first Academic Lead, Indigenous Children’s Health. Less than a year later, WCHRI expanded this commitment by appointing Tibetha Kemble (Stonechild) as Academic Lead, Indigenous Women’s Health, further strengthening its support for Indigenous women’s health research.
Indigenous Children’s Health: Ispimihk Awâsisak Program Spotlight
Dedicated to the health and vitality of Indigenous children and their families, the Ispimihk Awâsisak (Sky Children) Program, led by Grant Bruno, Academic Lead, Indigenous Children’s Health puts the power of progress in the hands of the community. In partnership with WCHRI, the program utilizes community-driven research to design, launch, and measure the success of meaningful health strategies that truly resonate locally.
More information on this program is available on the Ispimihk Awâsisak Program webpage.
Indigenous Women’s Health
Guided by Dr. Tibetha Kemble (Stonechild), Academic Lead, Indigenous Women’s Health, this work at the Women and Children’s Health Research Institute (WCHRI) begins with a simple but powerful commitment: to listen. Grounded in relationships and relational accountability, the initiative creates space for Indigenous women to lead the conversations, priorities, and research that shape their health and wellbeing. Working alongside Elders, Knowledge Keepers, communities, and scholars, this work advances distinctions-based, rights-informed research that honours Indigenous women’s knowledge, restores trust in research, and supports pathways to wellness for Indigenous women, families, and Nations. To learn more, please visit the Vision For Indigenous Women’s Health.
Indigenous Governing Council
The Indigenous Governing Council (IGC) provides a community grounded opportunity for WCHRI to transition toward shared leadership and relational accountability in health research. Rooted in the Terms of Relational Engagement and aligned with global and national commitments; Braiding Past, Present and Future: University of Alberta Indigenous Strategic Plan; and the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry’s Strategic Plan, the IGC affirms the inherent and constitutionally protected rights of Indigenous Peoples to exercise authority over research affecting their Peoples, including the determination of research priorities, protocols, and governance.Operating as a parallel partner rather than a hierarchical body, the IGC emphasizes self-determination and non-interference to ensure research involving Indigenous women, children, and families is ethically grounded and culturally safe.
Grounded in consensus-building and distinctions-based approaches with representation from First Nations, Métis, and Inuit, the IGC creates a self-determined space for Indigenous-led guidance and oversight of research involving Indigenous Peoples. In doing so, it affirms Indigenous governance and knowledge systems while maintaining respect for WCHRI’s internal institutional responsibilities. This approach reflects a commitment to co-governance that responds to the historical exclusion of Indigenous Peoples from decisions about research affecting their communities, and instead fosters relationships rooted in respect, reciprocity, and accountability. The establishment of the IGC supports research that is responsive to Indigenous priorities, strengthens trust between communities and researchers, and contributes to more ethical and responsible research practices across the broader institutional landscape.
Questions?
Please let us know if you have any questions at wchri@ualberta.ca.