Indigenous Genomics Training and Capacity

The road to reconciliation is a long path that hasn’t traditionally included the field of science. But Ontario Genomics is now spreading the word about a new funding opportunity looking to create space for Indigenous people and perspectives in genomics.

Genome Canada’s Indigenous Genomics Training and Capacity program is designed to strengthen First Nations, Métis and Inuit technical, social scientific and community capacities¹ to engage with and conduct genomics research in ways that uphold and advance Indigenous rights to self-determination. This funding opportunity is for up to $400,000 for as many as two projects in Indigenous-led training and capacity building in genomics.

The funded project(s) will give training opportunities to Indigenous students and community practitioners while integrating Indigenous knowledge systems, values and perspectives with modern science, technology and social scientific know-how.

Key requirements

• Designed for and by Indigenous Peoples: Projects guided by Indigenous leadership, ensuring they reflect the needs, priorities and aspirations of Indigenous communities while fostering empowerment and self-determination
• Indigenous-led research and collaboration: Prioritizing research and partnerships led by Indigenous scientists, integrating traditional knowledge systems with cutting-edge scientific practices to address community-driven challenges
• Indigenous technoscience curriculum: A dynamic curriculum developed and taught by Indigenous educators, merging cultural teachings with technical, social scientific and ethical considerations in genomics and related fields
• Place-based learning: Training tailored to the unique cultural, environmental and social contexts of communities, emphasizing the connection between knowledge, land and place in the learning process
• Community of practice framework: Participants supported within a collaborative network of peers, mentors and experts, creating an environment for shared learning, knowledge exchange and sustained professional growth
• Practical skills development in genomics: Hands-on training equipping participants with advanced technical and analytical skills in genomics, ensuring they are prepared to apply their knowledge to real-world challenges and opportunities
• Data sovereignty and innovation: Emphasizing ethical data management and analysis, focusing on Indigenous data sovereignty while fostering innovation in genomics to benefit Indigenous communities

The program will:

• Build Indigenous capacity in genomics
• Integrate Indigenous knowledge and perspectives
• Promote career development
• Advance Indigenous self-determination
• Foster interdisciplinary exploration

Find out more here.