The national Institute of Indigenous Peoples’ Health based out of the University of Saskatchewan wants to change the status quo over health inequities in comparison to the general Canadian population. IIPH’s scientific director and faculty member at the College of Medicine, Dr. Carrie Bourassa, says to change the status quo, things need to be done differently, and that means having the health research be Indigenous-led and being respectful of Indigenous traditional knowledge.

The IIPH unveiled its strategic plan Thursday with a goal of investing roughly $43-million in research in the next 5 years. The plan was developed with contributions from Elders, Knowledge Keepers and community members. The IIPH is a Canadian Institutes of Health Research institute.

Bourassa says a significant change will be to flow CIHR funding directly to Indigenous communities, rather than requiring them to partner with universities.
The institute’s priorities are to support Indigenous Peoples and communities to drive health research, to contribute to improving Indigenous health, to prioritize wellness, strength and resilience, and to encourage Indigenous community-based health research networks across Canada.

(CJWW)