In collaboration with members of the Tri-agency Reference Group for the Appropriate Review of Indigenous research, and drawing on experiences using the SSHRC and CIHR definitions, a definition of Indigenous research in the context of the natural sciences and engineering (NSE) was drafted for use in NSERC programs.

The definition should be interpreted as two linked sets of requirements: meaningful engagement with Indigenous Peoples, communities, societies or individuals, and, building on this, incorporation of Indigenous knowledge systems, wisdom, cultures, or experiences in the research. These two requirements complement one another and together define what NSERC recognizes as Indigenous research within its programs.

Indigenous research requires that research activities respond to community and/or partner needs and priorities. This may involve:

• contributing to the enhancement of community members’ skills and/or community and/or partner capacity and skills;
• exploring opportunities for reciprocal learning and transfer of skills and knowledge between the community/partner and the research team; and/or
• supporting a community and/or partner in maintaining its culture, language and/or identity, as well as supporting its self-determination.

Indigenous research is grounded in and guided by Indigenous knowledge (IK), which includes traditional and contemporary understandings, skills, and philosophies, rooted in a deep spiritual connection to the natural world and a profound sense of responsibility toward it. This holistic knowledge encompasses body, mind, emotions, and spirit, and is passed down through lived experiences rather than written records. Elders and Knowledge Holders play a vital role in its transmission, using storytelling, ceremonies, land-based living, and interactions with nature, arts, and spiritual practices to convey both the wisdom and the responsibility tied to the natural environment.

The Indigenous Leadership Circle in Research advises the presidents of Canada’s three federal research funding agencies—the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council,—and the Canada Foundation for Innovation, on the implementation of the interagency strategic plan. They also monitor progress of the strategic plan’s implementation and provide guidance on ways to help enhance support for Indigenous research and research training.

The Reference Group for the Appropriate Review of Indigenous Research is a community group including Knowledge Keepers, youth, and academics across career stages representing various First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities. It offers guidance to the tri-agencies on ethically- and culturally-sound peer review approaches and practices for research conducted by and with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples. The establishment of the Reference Group in 2020 under CIHR leadership marked a significant stride in the agencies' efforts to implement the SIRC. In 2022, NSERC assumed the rotating leadership of the Reference Group.

The Reference Group’s collective understanding on Indigenous research and Indigenous Knowledges is greatly valued as they advise the agencies on the following common priority areas:

• Analyzing data related to existing peer review models for Indigenous research, identifying potential improvements, and areas where the agencies can harmonize their processes;
• Developing peer review policies, frameworks, and guidelines to ensure the culturally safe review of Indigenous applications;
• Supporting the development of culturally safe learning materials and tools for reviewers (based on the above recommended frameworks, guidelines, and criteria); and
• Analyzing reviewer capacity to develop strategies and frameworks that will increase the number of reviewers able to conduct ethically and culturally safe evaluations of research proposals by and/or with Indigenous communities.

• Margaret Robinson (Chair), Dalhousie University
• Jenna Ives (co-Chair), University of Regina
• Myrle Ballard, University of Calgary
• Suzy Basile, Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue
• Amber Bedard, Reciprocal Consulting
• Catherine Dussault, University of Ottawa
• Lawrence Ignace, PhD Candidate, University of Victoria
• Georgina Martin, Vancouver Island University
• Lorrilee McGregor, Northern Ontario School of Medicine - Laurentian & Lakehead Universities
• Ethsi (Suzanne) Stewart, University of Toronto
• Alexis Gottfriedson, Thompson Rivers University
• Wayne Cark, University of Alberta
• Hanna Paul, University of British-Columbia – Okanagan
• Erica Hurley, Memorial University of Newfoundland
• Jade Huguenin, Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centers

In June 2023, NSERC welcomed Dr. Rahswahérha Mark Green to occupy the advisory position of Scholar in Residence from 2023 to 2025. In this role, Dr. Green provides NSERC with unique and novel viewpoints from a First Nations engineer and researcher perspective. This significant guidance on programs, policies and processes will contribute to the goal of using research as a tool to advance reconciliation with Indigenous rightsholders, including communities. More information on Dr. Green, his research and his role is available here, and in this Research story.

• Strengthening Indigenous Research Capacity – First Progress Report – CRCC
• Indigenous Leadership Circle in Research – CRCC
• NSERC 2030 What We Heard report: Supporting Indigenous-led research and researchers – NSERC
• CCI guide for research involving Indigenous Peoples and communities – NSERC
• Discovery Grants Application Instructions – Additional consideration for Indigenous research – NSERC
• Indigenous Research – SSHRC
• Indigenous research statement of principles – SSHRC
• Guidelines for the Merit Review of Indigenous Research – SSHRC
• Institute of Indigenous Peoples’ Health – CIHR

• Tri-Council Policy Statement 2 (TCPS 2) – Chapter 9: Research Involving the First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples of Canada
• Tri-agency Policy on Indigenous Citizenship and Membership Affirmation
• Tri-agency Research Data Management Policy
• Tri-agency guideline on remuneration for Indigenous people participating in funded projects

• FACETS: Towards reconciliation: 10 Calls to Action to natural scientists working in Canada
• Singal Fire – Companion documentary to the FACETS paper
• The First Nations Principles of Ownership, Control, Access and Possession (OCAP®) – First Nations Information Governance Centre
• Assembly of First Nations
• National Inuit Strategy on Research (2018) – Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami
• Inuit Nunangat Policy
• The UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan – Department of Justice Canada
• Interdepartmental Indigenous Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (I-STEM) Cluster