Historical Information

History of IPHRC

The Principal and Co-Investigators’ conception of the development of IPHRC was to establish a research environment to increase Indigenous health research capacity and to facilitate the development of Indigenous health research in Saskatchewan. Their purpose in creating the centre was to foster community-generated health research initiatives.

There were 2 parallel tracks identified in the development of the centre: specific programs for students and researchers of Indigenous ancestry, and programs that would develop Indigenous health research. Training grants were proposed to encourage Indigenous students to explore and participate in health research and to foster trainees involved with Indigenous health projects.

The success of the ACADRE proposal in late 2001 was further augmented by the announcement of matching funds to be provided by the provincial government, and a one-time contribution from the Department of Industry and Resources. Development of IPHRC and its programs began in 2002 when the majority-Indigenous board first convened.

To date, the objectives set out in the centre’s proposal have been met, as reflected in the accomplishments of IPHRC. Five rounds of summer undergraduate research awards have been distributed to 59 students, and graduate fellowships have been awarded to 26 PhD. students and 18 Masters level students. Numerous mentoring sessions and research colloquia have also taken place to provide networking opportunities for students and researchers involved in Indigenous health research across the province.

Community-based research has also been a great success with 31 Partnership-Network Development grants awarded over 11 adjudications, as well as multiple projects undertaken by IPHRC faculty/researchers.