NEIHR Centres

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research supports research that addresses the specific health needs of Indigenous Peoples in Canada, and aims to improve the health of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples through the assertion of Indigenous understandings of health and by fostering innovative community-based and scientifically excellent research.

As part of its Action Plan: Building a healthier future for First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples, CIHR committed to work with other federal research councils to develop strategies to strengthen Indigenous research capacity development through training and mentoring along the entire career continuum from undergraduate to postdoctoral levels.

The Network Environments for Indigenous Health Research (NEIHR) Program, a $105.5M investment over 16 years, was developed to address those needs in capacity development, research, and knowledge sharing. The NEIHR Program is led by the Institute of Indigenous Peoples' Health (IIPH) and co-led by the Institute of Circulatory and Respiratory Health (ICRH). This Program is supported financially by all 13 CIHR Institutes.

The NEIHR National Coordinating Centre is led by Dr. Robert Henry (Métis Nation of Saskatchewan). The National Coordinating Centre facilitates collaboration between and across NEIHRs, helps fund and co-host the National Gathering of (Indigenous) Graduate Students, coordinates a national evaluation strategy, and supports national and international research collaborations.

• Manitoba NEIHR

  With an extension to the original CIHR grant, the Manitoba NEIHR, called Kishaadigeh ("she who guards the lodge" in Anishinaabemowin) will continue to increase research capacity, improve infrastructure, and develop research lodges for its partner organizations. Kishaadigeh is led by Dr. Linda Diffy (Peepeekisis Cree Nation) at the University of Manitoba. It was originally developed by Dr. Jaime Cidro at the University of Winnipeg.

• Saskatchewan NEIHR

  The Saskatchewan-based NEIHR proclaims its two goals in its names—nātawihowin ("art of self-healing" in Cree) and mamawiikikayaahk ("healing together" in Michif). The network, which prioritizes research, training, and collaboration, is led by Dr. Robert Henry (Métis Nation Saskatchewan) at the University of Saskatchewan.

• Ontario NEIHR

  The Ontario NEIHR, based at the University of Toronto and led by Dr. Suzanne Stewart (Yellowknife Dene First Nation) is a hub for ongoing learning and discovery focused on Indigenous mental health and wellbeing. Through many partnerships, the Ontario NEIHR examines six primary themes: cultural safety; Indigenous holistic prevention and early intervention; land-based and planetary health solutions; healing from trauma and reducing addictions; enhancement of wellbeing and elimination of suicide; and translating Indigenous knowledge data into practice and policy. This NEIHR has 10 sites across Ontario.

• Alberta NEIHR

  The Indigenous Primary Health Care Policy Research (IPHCPR) network, founded in June 2020, is dedicated to advancing Indigenous primary health and policy research in Alberta. The network prioritizes community-based actionable research with quantitative outcomes. The network is led by Dr. Lindsay Crowshoe (Blackfoot, member of the Piikani First Nation) at the University of Calgary.

  "This network is about engaging and connecting a diverse set of Indigenous primary healthcare, community and research stakeholders," says Dr. Crowshoe. "Our aim is to support building a primary health care system that is responsive to the needs of Indigenous community through generating, gathering and sharing critical transdisciplinary knowledge."

• Atlantic Canada NEIHR

  Founded by Dr. Debbie H. Martin (Inuk, member of Nunatikavut) at Dalhousie University, the Wabanaki-Labrador Indigenous Health Research Network operates as a collaborative effort encompassing Mi'kmaq, Wolastoqiyik, Inuit, Innu, and Passamaquoddy community members, health professionals, academics, and allies across Atlantic Canada. Key objectives include enhancing research capacity, supporting community health priorities, shifting research power to Indigenous communities, and promoting network sustainability.

• British Columbia NEIHR

  The BC NEIHR supports Indigenous-led health research with partners across British Columbia. Located at the University of Victoria and led by Dr. Krista Stelkia (Syilx/Tlingit from Osoyoos Indian Band), the Centre's mission is anchored in self-determination, Indigenous knowledge, holistic population health and well-being, as well as intersectionality, equity, and cultural safety.

• Northwest Territories NEIHR

  The Northwest Territories NEIHR is led by Dr. Susan Chatwood, Scientific Director at the Institute for Circumpolar Health Research. The team is composed of members with decades of lived experience and experience in community-based research, knowledge sharing, and policy.

• Nunavut NEIHR

  The projects undertaken at the Nunavut NEIHR develop best practices for Inuit-led research and build knowledge capacity in the Nunavut research community. The centre is led by the Qaujigiartiit Health Research Centre. Its flagship programs include the annual Qaujisarnirmut Pilimmasarniq Qaujigiartiit Research Week; training initiatives such as such as one-on-one drone operation training, a full-time harvesting-hunting instructor program, and mentorship with hunter-instructors; and supporting academics through community-based research, writing, and knowledge sharing.

• Quebec NEIHR

  The Tahatikonhsontóntie' (the faces yet to come) Quebec Network Environment for Indigenous Health Research (QcNEIHR) is a community-based health research network for all Indigenous communities and organizations in Quebec. The team, led by Dr. Treena Delormier (Mohawk from Kahnawake Territory) at McGill University, address health research needs of Indigenous communities, researchers, and knowledge users in Quebec. This includes providing a space for Indigenous community members, Elders, youth, researchers, and health professionals, to participate in research and training, share knowledge, and promote the wellbeing of Indigenous Peoples in Quebec.

Date modified:

2025-02-03