Mission & Vision

IPHRC Vision

To be a prime resource for building capacity in Indigenous health research by Indigenous individuals, communities and institutions.

IPHRC Values

As a collective of institutions and individuals, the IPHRC values:

  • Indigenous leadership and control in Indigenous health research
  • Investment in individuals
  • Investment in communities
  • Traditional knowledge
  • Indigenous ways of knowing
  • Partnerships: Universities Communities coming together for Indigenous health research
  • Creation of new knowledge
  • Respect – through consulting in an appropriate manner
  • Respect – for differing opinions
  • Understanding differences
  • Capacity Development – in Indigenous health as fundamental to all activity
  • Indigenous health research – that is useful and applied
  • Sharing – knowledge transfer investing in best practices
  • Research to Practice – shortening the distance between research and use of research evidence in the community
  • Ethical and orderly process – informed by the community and facilitated by the Centre, providing guidelines for researchers
  • Communication – to board members, universities, communities and others
  • Policy relevant focus in all research

     


IPHRC Mission

To recognize, mobilize and develop the capacity of Indigenous researchers, Indigenous communities and Indigenous institutions in health research.

We achieve our mission by:

  • Supporting traditional health knowledge and ways of knowing
  • Respecting individual and community information
  • Creating new knowledge and understanding of Indigenous peoples’ health
  • Contributing to health public policy and planning
  • Informing public policy process at all levels of government
  • Incorporating Indigenous health perspective into the education of health and human service professionals and being a resource for public debate on indigenous peoples health
  • Encouraging the assertion of Indigenous knowledge and perspectives

 

IPHRC Mandate

The mandate of IPHRC is to promote and nurture capacity for community generated health research among Indigenous Peoples. It pursues the creation of an ethical environment in research that supports community-based definitions and solutions to health.

Granting agencies support the IPHRC role of pursuing ethical research frameworks and the implementation of respectful methods for knowledge translation and transfer of health knowledge. This pursuit includes the acknowledgement of indigenous models and methods of health and the support required for the influence of governmental policies and practices in respect for indigenous health delivery and promotion.

IPHRC research includes the key areas of chronic disease, nutrition and lifestyle, appropriate delivery, control and governance of health services, health policy, determinants of health, Indigenous healing, addictions, mental health, community development, environmental health, and prevention measures.

The IPHRC also hosts events for the dissemination of knowledge and research findings, funds post-secondary students at all levels and provides support for faculty research development.

 

IPHRC PRINCIPLES

IPHRC creates an equitable and ethical research environment where partnerships flourish for meeting community needs, transforming research methods and understanding of health knowledge. Links between Indigenous and non-indigenous institutions creates an inclusive environment and contributes to the development of alternative ways of engaging in ethical, responsible and valued research that enhances the quality of life for Indigenous Peoples. IPHRC operations will be guided by a living and ethical framework with a foundation of values and principles for its integrity and accountability.

  • I. Ethical Space – IPHRC is committed to working with partnerships for the creation of an ethical space that supports inclusiveness, mutual learning, and respect for human values.
  • II. Enhancing Capacity - IPHRC is dedicated to building effective partnerships to build capacity within Indigenous individuals, communities, and institutions to engage in research that is relevant and beneficial to Indigenous nations. All levels of IPHRC operations will ensure majority Indigenous voice in decision making.
  • III. Health Paradigm – IPHRC will advance Indigenous health Research and support of a health paradigm conducive to Indigenous well being through a wholistic understanding of health that includes human, political, historic, and environmental determinants.
  • IV. Organizational Environment – IPHRC is committed to establishing an optimal organizational environment for staff and research partners in support of high quality experiences and outcomes.

- February 6, 2006