The dog lichen has broad leaf lobes that are pale brown or grey with fine hairs thinly covering the leaves. The underside of this lichen has a cottony texture and is white in colour. The lower portion of the lichen that attaches to the soil flares out and is dark with brownish veins. This lichen is common throughout northern BC and can be found in open places on decaying wood matter, moss, humus, and mineral soils. Lichens can often be overlooked, but they contribute to ecosystem health like any other species! These beings grow along the forest floor, creating areas for insects to live and helping to stabilize the soil.
Funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Institute of Indigenous Peoples’ Health (IIPH), the BC NEIHR is one of nine Indigenous-led networks across Canada that support research leadership among Indigenous (First Nations, Métis and Inuit) communities, collectives and organizations (ICCOs). The purpose of the Network Environments for Indigenous Health Research Program is to establish a national network of centres focused on capacity development, research and knowledge translation (KT). This network of centres provides supportive research environments for Indigenous health research led by, and grounded in, Indigenous communities in Canada.
The BC NEIHR is guided by three Indigenous-governed, community-led organizations that are leading health and wellness research across BC. The three salmon in our logo represent these key partners:
If you would like to join the British Columbia Network Environment for Indigenous Health Research, please fill out the BC NEIHR Membership Registration Form and email it to admin_bcneihr@sfu.ca.
Being part of the BC NEIHR will connect you to research and student funding, trainings, events, employment and other unique opportunities in British Columbia and across Canada!
We respectfully and gratefully acknowledge the BC NEIHR is housed within the Centre for Collaborative Action on Indigenous Health Governance located on the unceded territories and traditional lands of the səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish) and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations.
BC NEIHR UPDATES
Introducing BC NEIHR Indigenous Research Liaison, Danielle Harkey
Danielle Harkey (she/her) is Coast Salish from the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ speaking peoples of the Musqueam Indian Band, now known as Vancouver. Danielle’s family lineage is predominantly Musqueam, with close relatives on Vancouver Island, the Fraser Valley and countless extended relatives across Coast Salish territory. Danielle has had the privilege of being raised on her home reservation, and this connection to her traditional lands and community has allowed her to be immersed in her culture, ceremony, and family practices since birth.
Danielle holds a Master of Public Health from UBC and a Bachelor of Arts in Health Sciences from SFU, and she worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse briefly in her early career. Danielle has experience at varying levels of the healthcare system and in community; her most recent role was Operations Lead of the Indigenous Health team at BC Children’s and Women’s Hospital. Danielle is passionate about traditional healing and food sovereignty, and her hobbies include running, reading, cooking and listening to podcasts.
Follow us for more BC NEIHR updates and opportunities!
Research Funding
Health Research BC acknowledges that colonization and systemic racism have critically impacted the past and ongoing health and wellbeing of First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples. We know that inequities exist within the health research system that perpetuate harm to Indigenous peoples and communities. To that end, we have created commitments to Indigenous reconciliation to guide us in fulfilling our role and responsibilities as BC’s health research agency. Our commitments are informed by important relationships, including with the BC Network Environment on Indigenous Health Research (BC NEIHR) and the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA); learning from Indigenous advisors and colleagues, key reports, and other research agencies that are on this important journey. Our aim is transformative, yet we have foundational work to do, and a lot to both learn and unlearn. We will approach this work in the spirit of humility, care, and curiosity. To learn more about Health Research BC's commitments to Indigenous reconciliation, click here.
Indigenous Stream – Call for Proposals. Kids Brain Health Network (KBHN), in partnership with Brain Canada, is excited to launch an Indigenous funding opportunity to support impactful projects that improve outcomes for Indigenous children and youth with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families. Submission Deadline: December 5, 2025.
We invite academics, in partnership with Indigenous communities, to bring forward projects that:
- Create impact to measurably improve outcomes for Indigenous children and youth with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their caregivers.
- Are grounded in community-identified priorities, Indigenous knowledge, languages, and strengthen culturally appropriate approaches to care, support, and inclusion.
- Builds capacity, including non-western knowledge capacity, of Indigenous academics and the communities being served.
- Have clearly identified goals, activities, and expected outcomes that can be measured and shared with communities.
- Demonstrate feasibility and sustainability so that projects implemented and their benefits are maintained beyond the funding period.
Connection Grant - $25,000 for 1 year. Projects funded through this stream will:
- Include Indigenous team members and strong relationships with Indigenous communities and other partners throughout.
- Advance relationships with Indigenous communities, families, and organizations to co-develop an impactful project proposal (such as building an Advisory, Equitable Research Agreement, Ceremony and Cultural Events, Community Gathering, etc.).
- Recognize the diversity of Indigenous nations across Canada and respect local governance, cultural protocols, and self-determination.
- Builds trust and mutual understanding with Indigenous academics and the communities being served.
- Include meaningful engagement of people with lived and living experience throughout all project stages.
- All Knowledge Mobilization activities fully recognize and include the participation of Indigenous partners.
- Methodology respects Indigenous-led principles (e.g., OCAP, CARE, FAIR, etc.).
- Advance outcomes for children and youth with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families across at least one of three KBHN challenge areas: Early Identification; Access to Interventions/integrations; and Family Supports.
Community Impact Grant - $100,000/ year for 2 years. Projects funded through this stream will:
- Have robust partnerships with the community, with co-developed priorities identified by Indigenous families, leaders, and Knowledge Keepers, etc.
- Include Indigenous team members and strong relationships with Indigenous communities and other partners throughout.
- Advance solutions that are feasible, scalable, and sustainable within Indigenous contexts.
- Recognize the diversity of Indigenous nations across Canada and respect local governance, cultural protocols, and self-determination.
- Builds capacity, including non-western knowledge capacity, of Indigenous academics and the communities being served.
- Include meaningful engagement of people with lived and living experience throughout all project stages.
- All Knowledge Mobilization activities fully recognize and include the participation of Indigenous partners.
- Methodology respects Indigenous-led principles (e.g., OCAP, CARE, FAIR, etc).
- Advance outcomes for children and youth with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families across at least one of three KBHN challenge areas: Early Identification; Access to Interventions/ integrations; and Family Supports.
Student Funding
2025 FNIGC National Student Bursary. Established in 2011, each year the FNIGC National Student Bursary awards four exceptional First Nations post-secondary students with a $2,500 bursary, complimentary registration to The Fundamentals of OCAP® online course, and for the second year bursary recipients will also have the opportunity to take part in a mentorship within FNIGC’s First Nations Data Centre.
The FNIGC National Student Bursary is open to First Nations students in Canada who are enrolled full-time in a college or university program which focuses on the fields of health, social sciences, or applied sciences (or studying issues related to First Nations data sovereignty)
The deadline for applications to the 2025 FNIGC National Student Bursary is Friday, November 7, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. EST.
The Pathy Foundation Fellowship is a unique opportunity for Canadian university students to contribute to meaningful change in their communities while benefiting from generous funding and wrap-around supports. This 12-month experiential learning program offers up to 12 Fellows $50,000 in funding, extensive support, and state-of-the-art training to lead a community initiative they care deeply about — in any field, sector, or community. Eligible students must be in their final year of a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or post-grad diploma/certificate program. Applications for Cohort 11 of the Pathy Foundation Fellowship are open until November 15, 2025.
MHRC-Mitacs Annual Indigenous Mental Health Studentship 2026. MHRC is proud to partner with Mitacs on this funding opportunity for Indigenous university, college or postgraduate students across the country to work with their academic supervisor and partner with a local service provider or Indigenous community organization. MHRC and Mitacs are partnering through the Mitacs Indigenous Pathways Initiative, to support the brightest Indigenous university or college students conducting research in mental health at one of Canada’s many post-secondary institutions. These interns will share their time between academic institutions and partner organizations, tying together their research with the end-users to ensure the project is tailored to and appropriate for that community’s needs and people with lived experience. Submission deadline: Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at 11.59pm ET.
Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Master’s program. $27,000 for 12 months, non-renewable. Application deadline: December 1, 2025.
Indigenous Scholars Awards and Supplements Pilot Initiative. Funding streams (12-month duration):
- Indigenous Scholars Supplement $5,000
- Indigenous Scholars Award* $27,000
*The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) will use the results of the Indigenous Scholars Awards and Supplements Pilot Initiative to offer awards through the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship—Master’s (CGRS M) program. CIHR and NSERC will also offer Indigenous Scholars Supplements.
Environmental Public Health Bursary for Indigenous Students - provides financial support to Indigenous students pursuing an education in the field of Environmental Public Health at a program accredited by the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors (CIPHI). The bursary is intended to cover tuition and partial living costs and will be renewable for each year of a student’s program subject to funding availability and proof of satisfactory completion of the previous year. Bursary applications for the upcoming academic year (Fall 2026 or Spring 2027 start) opened on September 15, 2025, and closes December 15, 2025, at 11:59pm MST.
One World International Scholarships, $2,000-$5,000. Awarded to students participating in study, or work-abroad programs that are either experiential learning opportunities (language or cultural training), or that provide credits toward the BC academic credential they are working towards. Open until January 31, 2026.
Build your own bright future with just one application! Hundreds of bursaries, scholarships, and awards. Since 2004, Indspire has provided over $153 million in financial support to more than 49,000 First Nations, Inuit and Métis students.
Bursaries, Scholarships and Awards for Post-Secondary Education and Skilled Trades. There is one application for all of Indspire’s bursaries, scholarships, and awards (*with a few exceptions). You only need to complete the application once to be considered for all applicable bursaries, scholarships, and awards. Deadlines: August 1, November 1, and February 1 at 11:59 pm Eastern Time. *For more information and to apply, click here.
Post-Secondary Student Support Program (PSSSP). Provides eligible First Nations students with funding to access education opportunities at the post-secondary level, including university and college entrance preparation programs. For more information and how to apply, click here. Application Deadlines:
- November 1 – For Winter Attending Students (January–April 2026).
- March 31 – For Summer attending Students (May–August 2026).
First Citizens Fund Student Bursary Program. Provides financial awards to Indigenous students enrolled in post-secondary education. Bursaries between $700-$1,200 are awarded to students who meet all eligibility requirements and who demonstrate significant financial need. Students apply for the bursary after they successfully complete a semester of post-secondary school. For more information and how to apply, click here.
This bursary is awarded after the successful completion of the semester. Please submit your application within a few weeks of the end of the semester for which you are applying. Application Deadlines:
- January 15, 2026 – for students applying for the Fall 2025 semester (September-December 2025)
- May 15, 2026 – for students applying for the Winter 2026 semester (January -April 2026)
- This bursary is awarded after the successful completion of the semester. Please submit your application within a few weeks of the end of the semester for which you are applying.
Indigenous Communities, Collectives and Organizations (ICCO) Funding
Mental Health & Wellness Fund - supports Nations and aggregations of First Nations to come together to plan, design and deliver a full continuum of culture and strength-based mental health and wellness services, including prevention and early intervention. Learn more here.
Climate Health Action Program (CHAP) - supports First Nations leadership in reducing climate change impacts on health. Climate change affects physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health in many ways. Through CHAP, communities can strengthen their climate health resilience by working together to improve the environmental, social, cultural and economic factors that affect their health and wellness. CHAP is now accepting expressions of interest (EOIs) for projects starting spring 2026 onward. EOIs will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the available funding has been allocated. Successful EOIs will be invited to develop full proposals. Learn more here.
The McConnell Foundation is a private Canadian foundation that contributes to diverse and innovative approaches to address community resilience, reconciliation, and climate change.
Funding priorities: as a private philanthropic foundation, we aim to use our resources to help address some of society’s most important challenges. We have chosen to focus our funding on issues of generational importance, that are impacting communities across the country, and where we believe we can contribute to creating significant change.
Our three main focus areas of Communities, Reconciliation and Climate represent what we believe to be some of the most pressing issues facing our society today. With our funding, we hope to help create significant positive impact and demonstrate that lasting change is possible across the country.
- Communities: We see community as a group that shares common barriers, needs, and goals, whether defined by geography, identity, interest, or other commonalities. Our communities focus area aims to partner with equity-denied groups to support their path toward greater equity and justice. We seek to support initiatives that have community at the heart of their actions and purpose. It is important to ask: how is the project fostering long-term systemic positive outcomes for the community?
- Reconciliation: We fund projects that advance a reconciliation economy where wealth and resources are equitably shared and sustainably stewarded for this generation and those yet to come. Funding streams: Indigenous-led solutions to activate the NIES Calls to Economic Prosperity; Indigenous-led collaborative funding projects that prioritize Indigenous ways of being and knowing, and work to redistribute power to Indigenous communities can create more effective, equitable, and sustainable outcomes.
- Climate: We are dedicated to accelerating Canada’s transition to a net-zero carbon economy. With this focus area, we seek to support organizations contributing to at least one of the following strategies: Climate mitigation solutions; Climate Finance Strategy; and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.
Community Gaming Grants - Province of British Columbia. Provide $140 million annually to not-for-profit organizations throughout BC, to support their delivery of ongoing programs and services that meet the needs of their communities. For more information about these grants, including eligibility criteria, grant amounts, how and when to apply and more, click here.
Human and Social Services. Apply between August 1 and November 30. Organizations within this sector deliver programs that improve the quality of life in a community by supporting the wellbeing of children, youth, families and/or seniors; by addressing equality issues (e.g., gender, LGBTQ2S+, race, etc.); by addressing the unmet needs of under-served groups; or, by providing public outreach and education regarding important social issues. Examples of eligible Human and Social Services programs may include:
- Services for people living with a disability or health condition.
- Poverty reduction, food security and short-term housing programs (e.g., food banks, emergency shelters, transition housing programs, life skills, etc.).
- Mental health and counselling services (e.g., public education, outreach, substance use treatment, crisis services, etc.).
- Community building (e.g., neighbourhood houses, seniors’ centres, services for newcomers, etc.).
- Indigenous wellness and community services (e.g., youth-elder programs, Friendship Centre programming, etc.).
Oshki Wupoowane | The Blanket Fund ᐅᔾᑭ :ᐊᐳᐧᐃᒼ
The Blanket Fund will provide support for Indigenous cultural, artistic, and educational activities. The Blanket Fund can be accessed by both grassroots Indigenous communities and organizations, and by Indigenous individuals undertaking related initiatives.
Reconciliation Action Grants. $1,500-$15,000. The Reconciliation Action grants stream will support reconciliation activities, events, and initiatives in communities that contribute to cultural revitalization, elevate Indigenous culture, languages, and traditions, increase understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, or other grassroots initiatives that move reconciliation forward. Applications for Reconciliation Action Grants will be reviewed quarterly in April, July, October, and January. Intake Period: September 11 to December 10, 2025, 11:59PM EST (Applications Reviewed: Winter 2026).
First Peoples' Cultural Council (FPPC) Grant funding supports communities to revitalize their Indigenous languages, arts and cultural heritage in BC. To view all available grants, click here.
- Cultural Practices Grant (CPG) - supports BC First Nations in planning, carrying out and documenting community-based cultural practices and events. The project goals affirm identities, foster a sense of belonging, and celebrate the roles, relationships and responsibilities within a community. Applications may be submitted until 4:30 p.m. PT December 12, 2025.
- Info Session: November 20, 2025, 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm PT.
The Canada Council for the Arts champions and invests in artistic excellence through grants, services, prizes and payments to professional Canadian artists, groups and arts organizations. For a list of all available grants, click here.
Creating, Knowing and Sharing: The Arts and Cultures of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples. This program supports Indigenous individuals, groups, Indigenous-led arts organizations and arts/cultural sector development organizations that foster a vital and resilient Indigenous arts ecosystem. Program Components:
- Travel - Funds First Nations, Inuit and Métis artists, arts/cultural professionals (including artists’ representatives), cultural carriers, artistic groups, collectives and organizations working in all disciplines. Grants support travel costs to attend significant events within Canada or abroad that advance your professional development, enable you or the artists you represent to access new markets or build national and international presence. Deadline: Any time before your departure date.
- Small-Scale Activities - Funds activities that will advance your artistic career or practice. This may include acquiring materials for artistic production, engaging in career or artistic development activities or benefitting from specific expertise, advice or training from a professional artist or cultural carrier. This component is open to First Nations, Inuit and Métis individuals, artistic groups, collectives and organizations working in all disciplines. Deadline: Any time before the start date of your project or activity.
- Short-Term Projects - Funds First Nations, Inuit and Métis professional and aspiring artists, cultural carriers, arts/cultural professionals, groups, collectives and arts/culture organizations. Grants provide support for any combination of eligible Creating, Knowing and Sharing activities for projects lasting up to 12 months. Deadlines: Nov 26, 2025.
- Indigenous Organizations - Funds First Nations, Inuit and Métis organizations that engage in contemporary, customary or traditional artistic and cultural activities. These activities can include non-Indigenous artists and collaborations with non-Indigenous organizations. Grants support the exploration of innovative strategies for Indigenous creative and cultural expression, and related administrative activities. Deadline: Fall 2027.
Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Language - Innovation Projects. The Commission is mandated to support innovative projects and the use of new technologies in Indigenous language education and revitalization, in cooperation with Indigenous governments and other Indigenous governing bodies, Indigenous organizations, the Government of Canada and provincial and territorial governments. We are currently accepting proposals for Innovation projects on an ongoing basis, click here for more information.
Employment Opportunities
At First Peoples' Cultural Foundation, the work we do is rooted in gratitude and reciprocity. We aim to foster a work environment that allows for new learning, while encouraging space for your own unique ways of thinking and doing, including time and space for Indigenous cultural knowledge and practices. We’d love to have you join our team and contribute to uplifting B.C. First Nations language, arts and cultural heritage initiatives.
- Executive Director - The Executive Director is responsible to the Board of Directors: for strategic and financial planning consistent with the organization’s philosophy, goals and objectives; for leadership both internally and externally; for overseeing the fundraising and grant giving strategies and operations in accordance with strategic and operating objectives; and for the organization and management of staff, finances and administration of the First Peoples Cultural Foundation (FPCF). The Executive Director works collaboratively with the CEO and senior staff of the First Peoples’ Cultural Council to ensure effective strategic planning, coordination, communications and information sharing among the two organizations, their stakeholders, funders, and the public. Read the full job description here.
Simon Fraser University is a Canadian university recognized around the world for academic excellence, innovation, and sustainability. We employ more than 7,000 faculty and staff that support the institution, facilities, programs and teams to equip the university’s 37,000 students with the knowledge, skills and experiences that prepare them for life in an ever-changing and challenging world. Guided by our shared vision—to be a leading research university, advancing an inclusive and sustainable future—we are committed to meeting the changing needs of both the world around us and the people and communities we serve. Explore SFU opportunities.
- Project Manager, Indigenizing Health Research Ethics Project. Seeking a highly motivated full-time (37.5 hours/week) Project Manager to join our transformative project and research team. The Project Manager will work collaboratively with the Centre staff (i.e., Director, Senior Research Manager, Research Assistants and Indigenous Trainees), BC Network Environment for Indigenous Health Research (BC NEIHR), FNHA, Principal Investigators, Elder Advisors, Indigenous Research Trainees, Co-Applicants, Collaborators, and SFU interdisciplinary teams to lead and facilitate research activities associated with this project. Location: Remote work within BC. Candidate must be based in BC, as there will be occasional in-person research gatherings and team meetings in Vancouver and at our Centre office at SFU Burnaby Campus. To read the full job description, click here.
At the University of Victoria, we combine outstanding scholarship with inspired teaching and community engagement. We’re committed to recruiting, developing and retaining people who help us build a better future.
- Explore Faculty & librarian postings.
- Explore Academic Leadership opportunities.
- Assistant Professor. The School of Health Information Science invites applications for two (2) positions of full-time Assistant Professor (Research Stream) with eligibility for tenure or tenure track. Application deadline: until positions are filled.
- Assistant Professor of Indigenous Governance. The School of Indigenous Governance invites applications for a tenure-track appointment at the Assistant Professor level to begin on July 1, 2026. Application deadline: reviewing applications until the position is filled.
- Assistant Teaching Professor. The Department of Indigenous Education at the University of Victoria invites applications for a limited term appointment for Assistant Teaching Professor, Indigenous Language Reclamation Revitalization and Maintenance, to commence January 1, 2026. We are seeking an Indigenous scholar who is able to teach courses and work with/supervise undergraduate and/or graduate students in Indigenous Language Revitalization, reclamation and maintenance. In addition, and more specifically, during this appointment, the successful candidate will work closely with the manager of Indigenous Language programs in the Faculty of Education in planning and coordinating off-campus Indigenous language programs offered by the Faculty of Education. Application deadline: Open until filled. Review of applications will begin November 1, 2025.
- Assistant Professor. The Department of English invites applications for a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor in the field of Indigenous Literatures and Cultures with a strong focus on Indigenous literary practices, pedagogies, and ways of knowing. We seek a colleague with existing relationships with local First Nations and/or a strong commitment to building them. Given our location, the Department’s greatest teaching need exists in the area of North American Indigenous literary practices and studies. The position will commence 1 July 2026 and will be limited to Indigenous candidates. Application deadline: November 14, 2025.
UBC is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities globally. A large part of what makes us unique is the community of engaged students, faculty and staff who are collectively committed to shaping a better world. Explore UBC Careers.
- Research Assistant, Strengthening Trust through Equitable Methods (STEM Project): Reciprocal and respectful foundations for genetics-informed mental health treatment decisions for Indigenous Peoples in BC. The Indigenous Equity Lab at UBC’s Faculty of Medicine is hiring an RA for a 9-month contract (with a possibility of renewal) to support the STEM Project. To learn more and apply, click here. Posting End Date: November 4, 2025, 11:59 pm.
The BCAAFC is the umbrella organization for the Friendship Centres across BC. BC Friendship Centres work to promote, develop and deliver accessible programs and services that support Indigenous peoples living in urban areas and away from home to achieve their vision of health, wellness and prosperity. Explore current BCAAFC career opportunities.
Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) develops and enhances opportunities for our Métis communities by implementing culturally relevant social and economic programs and services. Through teamwork, respect, dedication, accountability, integrity, and professionalism, MNBC strives to build a proud, self-governing, sustainable Nation in recognition of inherent rights for our Métis citizens, assisting in the delivery of services based on policy, process, and specified regulations. Become part of the Métis Nation BC team and take an active role in shaping the Métis Nation in BC. Explore available MNBC career opportunities.
The FNHA is a trailblazing organization filled with meaningful work and rich with transformative learning opportunities. Here you will find a sense of direction and belonging, with those who share your drive to create change in the world and in yourself – for the better. Explore current FNHA job postings.
Training and Events
Indigenous Disability Awareness Month (IDAM)
National Indigenous Veterans Day, November 8, 2025
Indigenous Health Administration and Leadership Program (IHALP). UBC Certificate Program – Applications for 2026/2027 cohort are open now.
Promote the Health and Wellness of Indigenous Peoples. Rooted in the core values of resiliency, culture and Indigenous perspectives, the UBC Certificate in Indigenous Health Administration and Leadership is designed to build and enhance your knowledge of health administration so you can confidently design, lead, and deliver holistic health and wellness programming in Indigenous organizations and communities. This program is proudly delivered in partnership by the UBC Centre for Excellence in Indigenous Health and UBC Extended Learning, which offers support in instructional design, course delivery and student services, including applications and registration. The program curriculum is centered on Indigenous approaches and traditional teachings and is taught primarily by Indigenous instructors. You’re in a culturally safe and supportive learning environment that offers opportunities to build connections and lifelong relationships with your peers and instructors. The program format is flexible allowing you to do the program along with your work and family commitments.
Important information and dates for 2026/2027 Cohort:
- Format: Courses are either virtual classes with 3 day in-person learning (held at UBC Vancouver campus).
- Duration: One year, part-time.
- Cost: $6,575 (Details on the “Apply” page).
- Previous Recorded Information session: View our past information session.
- 2026/2027 Program Schedule: View here.
- *NOTE*: Apply by November 19th in order to possibly access $3,500 Future Skills Grant Funding. Limited funding is available for BC residents.
- Next program start date: February 27, 2026.
- Application deadline: November 19, 2025.
November 25, 2025 | 10 am to 11:30 am – Planning for Healthy Communities with Sa̱nala Planning and Cwelcwélt Consulting. Join a panel of experienced Indigenous Community Planners from Sa̱nala Planning and Cwelcwélt Consulting to learn how strong planning cultures within communities and organizations can lead to better health outcomes. Speakers will draw on personal and professional experience to demonstrate how planning can unite disparate groups, create community agency and ground processes in language and culture. Learn more and register, here.
Rising Scholars Undergraduate Summer Studentship. Dedicated to creating more inclusive opportunities in child health research, this program provides funding and hands-on research experience to undergraduate students from equity-denied communities who may not otherwise have the means or access to participate in summer research placements. The deadline for submitting a complete application is Monday, December 1, 2025, before 11:59 pm PST. To apply, follow the steps below:
- Review the 2026 Rising Scholars Undergraduate Summer Studentship Guidelines
- Submit your application online
The UBC Indigenous Equity Lab is starting the Wellness, Health, and Youth (WHY) Collective, which will be an equitable, sustained, collaborative network of Indigenous young people in Canada, led by and for youth, informing and conducting research about their own health and wellbeing. We are recruiting Indigenous youth, researchers, community members, and partners to be a part of this network. As a first step to building this collective, we are looking to host an Indigenous youth gathering to hear youths’ perspectives on their health, wellness, and research priorities.
We are hosting a Virtual Gathering for Indigenous Youth ages 15-30 to share their experiences of what health and wellness means to them – with the goal of directly shaping future health and wellness initiatives in Canada. We will be hosting two gatherings, one on December 3 from 6 pm-8pm PST (9pm-11pm EST) and one on December 4 from 3pm-5pm PST (6pm-8pm EST). Youth are asked to choose one gathering to attend (not both) and will be compensated with a $50 Visa gift card for their time. For more information, contact Emily Gee, WHY Collective Project Coordinator at emily.gee@ubc.ca.
Call for Papers and Unique Opportunities
Canadian Institutes of Health Research Travel Awards – Institute Community Support. Through the Institute Community Support (ICS) Program, CIHR Institutes and Initiatives are launching the ICS Travel Awards competition for master’s and doctoral students, postdoctoral fellows, early career researchers, and knowledge users to present their own research at national and international meetings, workshops, or conferences. Learn more and apply on Research Net. Application Deadline: November 18, 2025.
International Journal of Forensic Mental Health. Special Issue: Cultural Safety and Indigenous-Led Change in Forensic Mental Health Services. This special issue of the International Journal of Forensic Mental Health aims to create a platform for Indigenous-led or ethically co-developed research and knowledge mobilization to advance cultural safety in wellness and justice. Cultural safety, as originally articulated by Māori nurse Irihapeti Ramsden, is defined by the recipients of care and emphasizes systemic transformation, Indigenous authority, and the dismantling of institutional racism. In this special issue, we aim to focus on solutions that center Indigenous Peoples’ experiences with the criminal legal system, including forensic mental health services, corrections, and the broader legal system. Suggested Submission Deadline: January 15th, 2026.
Pawaatamihk: Journal of Métis Thinkers is an open-access journal that publishes twice per year, showcasing Métis scholars and voices across disciplines. We are inspired by the ways that Métis thinkers are building knowledge in many different spaces—within and outside of academia—and dream that this journal will become a nourishing home for Métis thought. Knowledge shared through scholarly papers, visual art, poetry, book reviews, and community stories is included in each edition, and we put intentional care toward making space for 2SLGBTQ+ and gender diverse thinkers, scholars at different career stages, and community members not affiliated with academic institutions. We welcome submissions from all professions and disciplines that in some way speak to the priorities, experiences, histories, and dreams of Métis peoples.
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We are currently recruiting Indigenous communities, collectives and organizations, and Research Ethics Boards members to participate in an Indigenous-led research study. We are looking to speak to individuals who are engaged in Indigenous health research and would like to share experiences with Indigenous health research ethics in BC! If you would like to participate in this transformative research study, please reach out to Dr. Krista Stelkia at indigenizingethics_study@sfu.ca.
Learn more about the research study here. Stay connected with us regarding participant call outs through the CCAIHG newsletter: Sign up here.
A research study aimed at validating a tool that measures discrimination experiences in Canada. By participating, you’ll play a vital role in shaping tools that capture the complexity of discrimination and contribute to stronger equity and inclusion policies. Interested in participating in this research study? Fill out the Questionnaire here.
Island Health invites Indigenous post-graduate students interested in undertaking health services, health policy, clinical research, or quality improvement projects within the Island Health system. Island Health is strongly committed to working in partnership with Indigenous, Métis and Inuit people to support integration of cultural safety, anti-racism and trauma-informed care into health service delivery. Island Health can provide collaborative support for Indigenous students and researchers seeking to make connections in a number of ways:
- Connection to Indigenous health and also non-Indigenous health service leaders who are working to enable cultural safety, anti-racism and trauma-informed care within the health system across broad areas.
- Partnerships for an Indigenous Culturally Safe supportive environment.
- Academic mentorship and supervision aligned with academic institution requirements.
Mentorship and support are provided by Island Health on an individual basis based on the needs of each student and their projects. If you are interested, please contact research@islandhealth.ca.
The BCAAFC Doulas for Aboriginal Families Grant Program (DAFGP) provides grants to increase access to full spectrum doula services for Indigenous families residing in BC (on and off reserve). Doulas can provide support to people during the full spectrum of pregnancy and beyond—from conception, to miscarriages, stillbirths, adoptions, births, the postnatal period, and everything in between. Doulas help birthing parents and their families communicate their expectations, hopes, and concerns so that they feel supported and comfortable with their decisions.
The Support Network for Indigenous Women and Women of Colour (SNIWWOC). SNIWWOC is a Canadian non-profit organization committed to the empowerment of women. We operate from a holistic and integrated service model that addresses the social, cultural and political realities of immigrant and Indigenous communities. SNIWWOC confronts barriers that limit access to healthcare and full reproductive choice for Canadian BIPOC women, two- spirit, and non-binary folks. We operate from a holistic and integrated service model addressing the social, cultural and political realities of this community. We are focused on catalyzing individual empowerment by building connection and community, providing access to key healthcare and community resources, sharing valuable educational resources. We offer programs and services across so-called “Canada” with a major focus on the provinces of British Columbia and Ontario. Click here to learn more, access services and get involved!
IndigiNews is dedicated to covering the news in a way that allows for your stories to be heard, understood and respected. IndigiNews was created through a partnership between Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN) and The Discourse. The goal of this partnership is two-fold: first, to provide journalism that serves and is driven by what local communities say they want. Second, to experiment with new business models for digital local news that contribute to the long-term sustainability of independent Indigenous news in Canada. Click here to subscribe to the Indiginews Newsletter and/or to sign up for the email course. You can help decolonize the media by becoming an IndigiNews supporter, visit https://indiginews.com/support-us to donate today.