The three federal research funding agencies release a policy and directive on Indigenous citizenship and membership affirmation

The three federal research funding agencies—the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC)—have released a policy and an interim directive on Indigenous citizenship and membership affirmation. The new policy will provide reasonable assurance that federally funded programs, funding opportunities and/or appointments intended for Indigenous people are held by Indigenous people.

The policy and directive follow the What We Heard report, published in January 2024, that focuses on a series of engagements with Indigenous Peoples held by the three federal research funding agencies on promising practices for Indigenous citizenship and membership affirmation.

This policy establishes key elements of a new process for affirming Indigenous citizenship and/or membership within the context of programs or opportunities that may be explicitly designated for Indigenous Peoples. It may also apply in cases where the claim of Indigenous citizenship or membership may be considered in the granting of the award or position.

This policy will be generally effective as of October 1, 2024. Implementation dates will be determined for specific programs and/or opportunities per its related guidelines or terms and conditions.

This year, the policy and directive are being piloted within the Indigenous Scholars Awards and Supplements Pilot. This initiative provides financial support to meritorious Indigenous students who have applied to the Canada Graduate Scholars—Master’s program. Other programs and opportunities will be phased in gradually, based on lessons learned through the pilot process, and program readiness.

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Canada Research Coordinating Committee
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