Research programs

First Nation, Métis and Inuit

Addressing health inequities experienced by First Nations, Metis and Inuit is the responsibility of all Canadians and the Framework for Research Engagement with First Nations, Metis and Inuit is intended to provide positive pathways to support all who want to contribute towards this objective.

Research navigation services

One of the main functions of Ongomiizwin – Research is the Support Unit.

Although membership is free, Research Navigation Services are offered to all participating members on a fee-for-service basis.

These services may include:

  • assistance with relationship building
  • ethics submissions
  • research assistant time
  • office space
  • IT services and/or grant administration

Mentorship

Since 2001, Ongomiizwin – Research has operated an extensive student mentorship program to foster the development of interest and expertise in First Nations, Métis and Inuit health research.

Ongomiizwin – Research maintains relationships with a cadre of faculty mentors committed to supporting First Nations, Métis, Inuit students interested in graduate work and research, and in all students interested in collaborative First Nations, Métis and Inuit health research.

Membership

A key role for Ongomiizwin – Research is to support new and established researchers in including research questions of relevance to First Nations, Métis and Inuit in their programs of research, in developing relationships and partnerships, with research navigation, etc.

Ongomiizwin – Research welcomes researchers who are interested and involved in research aimed at improving the health of First Nations, Métis and Inuit populations.

Researchers engaged in First Nations, Métis and Inuit health research face an array of challenges related to navigating the funder-university-Indigenous community interface. Our members will enjoy the benefit of drawing from our expertise in this regard.

Commissioned research

From time to time, Ongomiizwin – Research will communicate opportunities for sponsored research to its members and coordinate sponsored research of relevance to First Nations, Métis, Inuit, Manitoba Health, the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch of Health Canada and other stakeholders.

Ongomiizwin – Research will extend to its members opportunities to engage in commissioned research as available, based on the skills and expertise required by the study.

  • Each project will have a principal investigator (PI) who is a research or research affiliate member of Ongomiizwin – Research
  • Each PI will report to the director (on operational requirements and issues relevant to the centre). This individual is responsible for ensuring the operation of the project remains consistent with Ongomiizwin – Research criteria.
  • All contracts will be administered through Ongomiizwin – Research.
  • All residual funds from completed research contracts will remain under the authority and use of the centre.
  • All research projects must submit their individual ethics approval submissions to the directors for review prior to submitting to the University of Manitoba health research ethics board.

Who we are

In 2001, the University of Manitoba, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and the Foundations for Health joined together to create the Centre for Aboriginal Health Research (CAHR). It replaced a research group known as the Northern Health Research Unit, which was created in 1986. CAHR, which became known as the Manitoba First Nations Centre for Aboriginal Health Research (MFN CAHR) in 2006, is known nationally and internationally for promoting research excellence through the support and development of partnership-based health research with First Nations, Métis and/or Inuit communities in Manitoba, Canada, and the world. When the Indigenous Institute of Health and Healing was formed in 2017 the name was changed to Ongomiizwin – Research.

Mission

Ongomiizwin – Research is a centre of research excellence. We remain centrally committed to building and maintaining productive and respectful partnership-based relationships with First Nations, Métis, Inuit and Indigenous communities, to recruiting Indigenous students and scholars, to providing effective support and mentorship and to sharing and building knowledge internationally. Our key objectives are:

    • To promote the development of sustained nationally and internationally recognized programs of research excellence at the University of Manitoba, in all four pillars (biomedical; clinical; health services; and social, cultural, environmental and population health).
    • To promote research that addresses the needs of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and Indigenous communities.
    • To provide mentorship opportunities to support the First Nation, Métis, Inuit and Indigenous health research skills among students, community and university-based researchers.
    • To facilitate skill development in First Nations, Métis, Inuit and Indigenous communities and organizations in the use of health information for policy and program development.
    • To assist with the development of quality health information systems describing changing health conditions in First Nations, Métis, Inuit and Indigenous communities.
    • To advise First Nations, Métis, Inuit and Indigenous governments and organizations on health policy issues based on the best available research evidence.
    • To facilitate communication and knowledge-sharing concerning Indigenous health development nationally and internationally.
    • To complement rather than compete with national and international community- and university-based First Nations, Métis and Inuit health research programs and promote the formation of innovative collaborations and research networks that supports these organizations’ aspirations.

Constitution

In general, the work of Ongomiizwin – Research is informed by the principles of collaboration. The principles for collaboration are consistent with the principles of engagement for any collaborative or participatory research project, and articulate the relevance of relationships, respect, trust and joint priority setting.

Our collaborations are guided by the following key principles:

  • Authentic engagement with First Nations, Métis and Inuit and recognition that relationship is central to research.
  • Shared respect, trust and commitment to mutually empowered long-term relationships.
  • Acknowledgement of the:
    • Inherent rights of First Nation, Métis and Inuit.
    • Treaty rights of First Nation Peoples.
    • Diversity and distinct identities, histories, cultures, languages, geographies between First Nation, Métis and Inuit.
  • Shared authority, responsibility, and accountability within the research relationships and engagements.

Address the research-related priorities and needs of First Nation, Métis and Inuit and the University.

Our team

Contact us

Ongomiizwin – Research
715 John Buhler Research Centre
727 McDermot Ave
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P5

204-789-3250
204-975-7783