Thompson Rivers University is inviting applications for a Tier II Canada Research Chair (CRC) in Indigenous Health, offering an opportunity for an Indigenous scholar to build a research program grounded in community priorities, reciprocal relationships and Indigenous ways of knowing.
Working alongside Secwépemc communities, Indigenous partners, students and researchers, the chair will establish a long-term Indigenous health research program that contributes to healthier futures for Indigenous Peoples, strengthens Indigenous self-determination in research and supports positive change within health systems.
“TRU is committed to working collaboratively with Secwépemc communities and Indigenous Nations to strengthen health and wellness, cultural safety and Indigenous data sovereignty,” said Tina Matthew, executive director of the Office of Indigenous Education at TRU.
“The CRC in Indigenous Health will help build meaningful partnerships, support future Indigenous scholars, and create lasting benefits for Indigenous communities and tellqelmúcw (those yet to be born). We welcome scholars who are committed to making a difference through Indigenous health research.”
Across Canada, Indigenous communities continue to advance their own priorities for health, wellness and self-determination while transforming the ways health research is conducted, shared and applied.
“TRU strives to understand and take meaningful action as the only university in the world where Secwépemc world views are foundational,” said TRU President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Airini.
“We have committed to support the fulfillment and recognition of Indigenous rights. As Canada’s leading dual-sector research university, TRU is focusing on use-inspired research applied to real-world challenges and empowering all to transform their lives, communities and the world. We genuinely value knowledge, experiences and perspectives that strengthen truth, reconciliation and rights. The successful scholar will join a welcoming environment at TRU where relationships and respect matter, and where we learn and transform every day.”
Research begins with listening, learning and trust
Located in the heart of Secwepemcúl̓ecw, on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Secwépemc Nation, TRU is committed to fostering research grounded in respect, reciprocal partnerships and meaningful community engagement. Recognizing that strong relationships are foundational to ethical and impactful research, TRU values relationship-building as an ongoing responsibility that extends before, during and after the research process.
Indigenous health research is conducted with and by communities. Research involving Secwépemc communities will be guided by Secwépemc governance, community protocols and the Secwépemc Nation Research Ethics Guidelines. TRU is seeking a scholar who approaches this work with humility, accountability and a genuine commitment to reciprocity.
“This Canada Research Chair represents an opportunity to strengthen Indigenous-led health research grounded in relationships with communities,” said Dr. Rod McCormick (Kanienʼkehá:ka), BCIC Research Chair in Indigenous Health and director of the All My Relations Research Centre at TRU.
“The days of research being done on us or for us are over. We are building the research capacity to have research done by us as Indigenous peoples, and TRU and the All My Relations Research Centre are strong examples of how that change is being made.”
Working alongside Secwépemc communities and Indigenous partners, the CRC will advance research related to Indigenous health and wellness, health equity, cultural safety, Indigenous data sovereignty and community-driven approaches to wellness. The chair will join a collaborative community of researchers, students and partners, mentoring future Indigenous scholars, developing interdisciplinary collaborations and building national significance with research that responds to real-world challenges.
Seeking a scholar grounded in relationships
TRU is looking for a scholar recognized for building trusted, reciprocal relationships with Indigenous communities alongside a strong record of research excellence. The strongest candidates will demonstrate how collaboration with Indigenous communities has shaped their work, informed their research approach and contributed to shared learning.
Applications are welcomed from First Nations, Métis and Inuit scholars who have established an independent program of research and can demonstrate a sustained record of excellence and impact. The successful candidate will already have the accomplishments and trajectory of an acknowledged research leader in the making, with a clear capacity to grow an influential program of regional, national and international reach.
“Research, like any relationship, begins with respect. Respect for people, for knowledge, for community, and for the land where that work takes place,” said Ted Gottfriedson, Secwépemc Cultural Advisor in the Office of Indigenous Education.
“We are looking for someone who understands that these responsibilities are not separate from the research. They are the foundation upon which the work is built.”
Applications are now open. Learn more about the Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Health and apply here.
