About
A group of Yukon First Nation Elders, researchers, knowledge carriers, and community-based health research experts came together and responded to the call to begin developing a Yukon Network Environment for Indigenous Health Research (NEIHR). This is the Yukon NEIHR Development Team.
With the support of many partners and collaborators, the Yukon NEIHR Development Team was successful in acquiring a small amount of funding to work on creating a future home for Indigenous Health Research in the Yukon.
The Development Team will be doing broad engagement with Yukon First Nations to build a NEIHR in the Yukon that is grounded in the relationships, knowledge, and values of all Yukon First Nations. This phase of engagement is overseen by a Yukon First Nations Advisory Committee – learn more about that committee below. A better name for this Indigenous Network will be chosen collaboratively.
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The Development Team is supported by three partner organizations: Council of Yukon First Nations, Institute for Circumpolar Health Research, and One Yukon Coalition. These northern-based organizations are providing in-kind staff support, as well as administrative and coordination support to the Development Phase of the Yukon NEIHR.
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Indigenous Control over Research
Our vision for the Yukon NEIHR is to continue building on the incredible work of Yukon First Nations health research. The Yukon NEIHR will work to realize the vision for self-determination over research that was outlined by Yukon First Nations Chiefs in Together Today for Our Children Tomorrow
Yukon First Nations Chiefs outlined a future where Yukon First Nations have control over research. Control over research means that Yukon First Nations:
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Decide what is researched
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Choose who does the research
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Own the research data and output
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Are involved in every step of the research
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Build the capacity to conduct their own research
This vision was delivered to the Parliament in 1973, and ever since then Yukon First Nations have worked to uphold it. Today, many Nations have built strong partnerships with southern research institutions, and several YFN Governments have implemented their own research review processes.
Across nations, the Arctic Institute of Community Based research (2007-2020) brought together Indigenous knowledge and western science to promote and facilitate research activities and training that contributed to Northern health and well-being. The Yukon NEIHR will build on this important work, and create a dedicated space and resources to train the next generation of Yukon First Nations health researchers.
Indigenous Community-led Research
We envision a sustainable resource centre that will support Yukon First Nations communities and citizens to access research training, funding, and support that is grounded in Yukon First Nations culture, values, and ways of knowing and doing.
Student Networking
Policy Development
Community Engagement
Knowledge Mobilization
This is where we need to hear from you!
Fill out our engagement survey, and let us know the health and wellness research priorities in your community.
Sign up for our mailing list to keep in touch with the Yukon NEIHR team, and hear about opportunities for further engagement.
The development grant phase 2024/2025 for the Yukon NEIHR is funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR).
Timeline of Engagement
The Yukon NEIHR Advisory Committee is engaging with all Yukon First Nations governments, communities, and individuals, to understand the needs and vision for health research. This engagement will then inform Yukon NEIHR operating grant application.
The Yukon NEIHR Operating Grant application requires an in-depth proposal that outlines:
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How the Yukon NEIHR will be governed and how decisions will be made
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Where the Yukon NEIHR will be hosted (within which organization or institution)
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What the main activities of the NEIHR will be
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How we will train and support Yukon First Nations health researchers
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What the main research priorities of the NEIHR will be
If successful, the Yukon NEIHR will have full operational funding in 2026.