Reconciliation Network in Response to Call to Action 65
This funding opportunity is open to First Nations, Métis Nation and Inuit researchers affiliated with an eligible Canadian institution (university, college, not-for-profit organization) at the time of application. First Nations, Métis Nation or Inuit researchers who maintain an affiliation with a Canadian postsecondary institution, but whose primary affiliation is with a non-Canadian postsecondary institution, are not eligible for applicant status. Applicants are also invited to consult the NCTR’s list of partner organizations to expand their collaborations.
Applications can be submitted by a team of researchers consisting of at least one First Nations, Métis Nation or Inuit applicant / project director. The team can be composed of participants, such as one or more co-directors, co-applicants and/or collaborators. The applicant / project director prepares the application with the team.
Applicants who have received a SSHRC grant of any type but have failed to submit an achievement report by the deadline specified in their Notice of Award are not eligible to apply for another SSHRC grant until they have submitted the report.
Researchers who are federal scientists affiliated with a Canadian postsecondary institution must demonstrate that their proposed research or research-related activity is not related to either the mandate of their employer or the normal duties for which they receive payment from that employer.
If the proposal falls within the mandate of the federal government and the research or research-related activity is performed in government facilities, funding can only be allocated for student salaries, stipends and travel costs.
First Nations, Métis Nation or Inuit postdoctoral researchers are eligible to be applicants if they have formally established an affiliation with an eligible institution at the time of application and maintain such an affiliation for the duration of the grant period.
Students are not eligible for applicant or co-applicant status.
n response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) Call to Action 65, the Reconciliation Network in Response to Call to Action 65 is a joint initiative between the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) and SSHRC. This unique opportunity supports establishment of a national research program with multiyear funding to advance collective understanding of reconciliation.
The TRC defines “reconciliation” as an ongoing process of establishing and maintaining respectful relationships. The TRC explained:
“[R]econciliation must support Aboriginal peoples as they heal from the destructive legacies of colonization that have wreaked such havoc in their lives. But it must do even more. Reconciliation must inspire Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples to transform Canadian society so that our children and grandchildren can live together in dignity, peace, and prosperity on these lands we now share.”
One of the NCTR’s goals is to provide educational and employment opportunities to Indigenous Peoples. In alignment with this, and in keeping with the principles and strategic directions in SSHRC’s Indigenous Research Statement of Principles and in the federal research funding agencies’ strategic plan, Setting new directions to support Indigenous research and research training in Canada 2019-2022, this joint initiative is designated for research projects led by First Nations, Métis Nation or Inuit researchers as applicant / project director.
SSHRC and the NCTR invite teams led by First Nations, Métis Nation or Inuit researchers to submit proposals for new or existing formal partnerships that contribute to our collective understanding of truth and reconciliation. Proposals could, for example, address residential schools’ history, or the ongoing legacy of residential schools and Canada’s policies of assimilation in one or more areas, including child welfare, education, language and culture, health, and justice.
The TRC noted closing residential schools did not end their impacts on Indigenous Peoples; Indigenous Peoples continue to experience systemic discrimination across sectors, which persists as part of government policies of assimilation and undermines reconciliation.
Applicants interested in this funding opportunity are asked to contact the Office of Research (sshrc.research@lakeheadu.ca) far in advance of the SSHRC deadline to indicate their interest in this program.