Latest News

This is where we will keep you up to date about all things related to Indigenous research. In addition to updates about what’s happening at IRSI, you will find everything from funding announcements to policy changes, researcher profiles to project updates here.

To receive IRSI news direct to your email inbox, please subscribe to our listserve here.

Building a Framework for Indigenous Research 

As part of an ongoing effort to create transformational change in the way UBC and other institutions engage in Indigenous collaborations, IRSI is working with a variety of partners to develop an Indigenous Research Framework. This Framework will have three pillars, specific to Indigenous research: Principles of Engagement, Ethics, and guidelines for the collection and management of Indigenous data, information and records. To co-create this Framework, IRSI has convened a number of gatherings

Heiltsuk Tiny Homes Under Construction

The construction of eight tiny homes is now underway in Bella Bella, the home community of the Heiltsuk Nation. The building project—part of an ongoing collaboration between the Heiltsuk, UBC’s Faculty of Forestry, School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture, FPInnovations, and Builders Without Borders—was initiated in 2017, when the Heiltsuk Tribal Council approached UBC for research support to address an urgent housing crisis. IRSI facilitated a Memorandum of Understanding for the

Research Day: October 3, 2019

Thanks to all who participated in Research Day on October 3 rd , 2019. Approximately 65 people attended the full-day event, with another seven joining us for the afternoon discussion about Indigenous data via livestream. Despite some technical difficulties, the day was productive and engaging, with lots of lively conversation and great connections made. Musqueam Elder Debra Sparrow provided a beautiful and heartfelt welcome. Next, participants were introduced to the IRSI team. After a short

New Indigenous Community Liaisons at UBC

In an effort to better serve Indigenous communities interested in engaging in research collaborations, as well as Indigenous scholars and students on its two campuses, UBC welcomes two new Indigenous Community Liaisons. At UBCV, we are delighted to have Adina Williams (left, above) join the team at IRSI. Adina is from the Squamish Nation, and also descends from the ‘Namgis (Kwakwaka’wakw) peoples from Alert Bay, BC. She grew up in Xwemelch’stn (Capilano Reserve) in what is now more commonly

IRSI Site Launch

Welcome to the new online home of the Indigenous Research Support Initiative (IRSI). We hope that this new website will be a useful and robust resource for Indigenous communities, researchers and other partners involved in Indigenous research projects. In addition, we intend for this site to be an online community where a safe dialogue can take place about Indigenous research and related topics. Take a tour of the new site to see what it has to offer. There is a dedicated section for researchers