Understanding CIHR's Investments in Indigenous Health Research
Disclaimers
All findings are prorated, estimated and rounded. CIHR does not share project-level findings.
The data validation is built on the information submitted during the application data process and is considered the best estimate acknowledging limitations in the data sources.
The current validation process does not use identity-based data. Instead, it identifies Indigenous health research (IHR) investments based on evidence of Indigenous leadership, methodology, or both (project description and details).
Investments in IHR - Background
Advice received from the IIPH IAB at the time helped establish the decision rules to guide the annual process and ensure CIHR's definition of and requirements for IHR was considered.
To calculate the relevancy to investments in IHR, projects are either included in full or prorated based on alignment with the 3 following criteria:
- Focus on Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Inuit and Métis) in Canada and/or Indigenous Peoples internationally; and
- Evidence of Indigenous leadership and/or
- Evidence of Indigenous methodology.
To establish a baseline of investments in IHR upon which to measure progress, CIHR completed a revalidation of its estimate in funding for IHR in 2018 to increase the accuracy of data. A baseline average of 2.1% was established for fiscal years (FY) 2014-15 to 2016-17.
Distinctions-based investments - Background
The Government of Canada recognizes First Nations, Inuit and Métis as the Indigenous Peoples of Canada, consisting of distinct, rights-bearing communities with their own histories, cultures, and needsFootnote 1. A distinctions-based approach to IHR at CIHR ensures that the unique rights, interests and circumstances of First Nations, Inuit and Métis are acknowledged, affirmed, and implemented through health research.
In 2022, distinctions-based data validation criteria and methodology were determined. Projects were assessed based on their ability to demonstrate a distinctions-based approach to health research, meaning that it is either First Nations-specific, Inuit-specific and/or Métis-specific.
Estimated investments in IHR
Ratio of IHR Prorated Investments over Total CIHR Budget FY 2017-18 to 2023-24
Long description
| Fiscal Year | Proportion of CIHR G&A Budget/Expenditures |
|---|---|
| 2017-18 | 3.0% |
| 2018-19 | 3.1% |
| 2019-20 | 4.0% |
| 2020-21 | 4.1% |
| 2021-22 | 4.8% |
| 2022-23 | 4.7% |
| 2023-24 | 5.2% |
The target of the CIHR Grants & Awards Budget (2017-18 - 2021-2022) or Expenditures (2022-23 - 2023-24) was 4.6%.
In FY 2023-24, CIHR's estimated investments in IHR is $65.5M.
This represents 130 new individual projects, and 200 ongoing projects funded in IHR.
Caveat: While the target of 4.6% has been reached, it is important to note that the result is calculated by 'in-year IHR-relevant expenditures' / 'CIHR G&A expenditures' and could therefore vary from year to year.
Long description
| Fiscal Year | Departmental Results Framework Category | IHR Prorated Investments (in millions) | Percentage of Total IHR Investments |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017-18 | Investigator Initiated | $10.3 | 32.9% |
| 2017-18 | Research in Priority Areas | $20.4 | 65.0% |
| 2017-18 | Training and Career Support | $0.7 | 2.1% |
| 2018-19 | Investigator Initiated | $14.0 | 40.8% |
| 2018-19 | Research in Priority Areas | $19.7 | 57.6% |
| 2018-19 | Training and Career Support | $0.6 | 1.7% |
| 2019-20 | Investigator Initiated | $20.1 | 44.2% |
| 2019-20 | Research in Priority Areas | $24.6 | 54.1% |
| 2019-20 | Training and Career Support | $0.8 | 1.8% |
| 2020-21 | Investigator Initiated | $24.0 | 37.2% |
| 2020-21 | Research in Priority Areas | $39.7 | 61.5% |
| 2020-21 | Training and Career Support | $0.8 | 1.2% |
| 2021-22 | Investigator Initiated | $26.5 | 42.3% |
| 2021-22 | Research in Priority Areas | $35.3 | 56.3% |
| 2021-22 | Training and Career Support | $0.9 | 1.4% |
| 2022-23 | Investigator Initiated | $26.8 | 44.9% |
| 2022-23 | Research in Priority Areas | $31.9 | 53.4% |
| 2022-23 | Training and Career Support | $1.0 | 1.7% |
| 2023-24 | Investigator Initiated | $25.2 | 38.5% |
| 2023-24 | Research in Priority Areas | $39.4 | 60.2% |
| 2023-24 | Training and Career Support | $0.9 | 1.3% |
Proportions are a percent of the total prorated investments for that fiscal year. Overall total = $363.6M.
Most IHR-relevant investments are in Research in Priority Areas with low funding dedicated to Training and Career Support.
IHR Investments in Project (MOP and PJT) FY 2017-18 to 2023-24
Long description
| Fiscal Year | Program | IHR Prorated Investments (in millions) |
|---|---|---|
| 2017-18 | MOP | $2.0 |
| 2017-18 | PJT | $5.1 |
| 2018-19 | MOP | $0.6 |
| 2018-19 | PJT | $11.0 |
| 2019-20 | MOP | $0.1 |
| 2019-20 | PJT | $17.0 |
| 2020-21 | PJT | $21.6 |
| 2021-22 | PJT | $23.7 |
| 2022-23 | PJT | $24.2 |
| 2023-24 | PJT | $23.5 |
MOP and PJT grants, including Bridge, Prizes and PA grants
This includes new and ongoing IHR-relevant projects.
Number of new IHR-relevant Project Grants FY 2017-18 to 2023-24
Long description
| Fiscal Year | Program | Number of new Project Grants |
|---|---|---|
| 2017-18 | PJT | 23 |
| 2018-19 | PJT | 43 |
| 2019-20 | PJT | 40 |
| 2020-21 | PJT | 37 |
| 2021-22 | PJT | 29 |
| 2022-23 | PJT | 27 |
| 2023-24 | PJT | 21 |
Number of new PJT grants in their first payment Fiscal Year, including Bridge, Prizes, and Priority Announcement grants
This includes new IHR-relevant projects.
IHR Investments by Pillar FY 2017-18 to 2023-24
Long description
| Fiscal Year | Pillar | IHR Prorated Investments (in millions) | Percentage of Total IHR Investments |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017-18 | Social/Cultural/Environmental/Population Health | $19.1 | 60.6% |
| 2017-18 | Health systems/services | $4.8 | 15.3% |
| 2017-18 | Clinical | $1.7 | 5.3% |
| 2017-18 | Biomedical | $1.2 | 3.8% |
| 2017-18 | NA/Not Specified | $4.7 | 14.9% |
| 2018-19 | Social/Cultural/Environmental/Population Health | $19.3 | 56.3% |
| 2018-19 | Health systems/services | $6.1 | 17.9% |
| 2018-19 | Clinical | $1.9 | 5.5% |
| 2018-19 | Biomedical | $1.1 | 3.3% |
| 2018-19 | NA/Not Specified | $5.8 | 17.1% |
| 2019-20 | Social/Cultural/Environmental/Population Health | $25.9 | 56.8% |
| 2019-20 | Health systems/services | $7.1 | 15.6% |
| 2019-20 | Clinical | $3.1 | 6.8% |
| 2019-20 | Biomedical | $2.3 | 4.9% |
| 2019-20 | NA/Not Specified | $7.2 | 15.9% |
| 2020-21 | Social/Cultural/Environmental/Population Health | $42.2 | 65.5% |
| 2020-21 | Health systems/services | $9.9 | 15.3% |
| 2020-21 | Clinical | $4.0 | 6.2% |
| 2020-21 | Biomedical | $2.3 | 3.5% |
| 2020-21 | NA/Not Specified | $6.1 | 9.5% |
| 2021-22 | Social/Cultural/Environmental/Population Health | $38.8 | 62.0% |
| 2021-22 | Health systems/services | $13.1 | 20.9% |
| 2021-22 | Clinical | $3.9 | 6.3% |
| 2021-22 | Biomedical | $3.1 | 5.0% |
| 2021-22 | NA/Not Specified | $3.6 | 5.8% |
| 2022-23 | Social/Cultural/Environmental/Population Health | $36.9 | 61.9% |
| 2022-23 | Health systems/services | $11.9 | 19.9% |
| 2022-23 | Clinical | $3.7 | 6.2% |
| 2022-23 | Biomedical | $2.1 | 3.5% |
| 2022-23 | NA/Not Specified | $5.0 | 8.5% |
| 2023-24 | Social/Cultural/Environmental/Population Health | $40.0 | 61.1% |
| 2023-24 | Health systems/services | $12.6 | 19.1% |
| 2023-24 | Clinical | $4.1 | 6.3% |
| 2023-24 | Biomedical | $2.6 | 4.0% |
| 2023-24 | NA/Not Specified | $6.2 | 9.5% |
Proportions are a percent of the total prorated investments for that fiscal year. Overall total = $363.6M.
Most IHR-relevant investments are in Pillar 4.
Estimated distinctions-based investments
The estimated distinctions-based investment is $31M of the $65.5M overall IHR estimated investments. The estimated distinctions-based investment represents 2.5% of the total CIHR G&A expenditures.
This % is diluted by an estimated 0.02% considering the IHR baseline funding (pre-FY 2017-18) is excluded from the distinctions-based validation.
Overall IHR Distinctions-Based Investments FY 2017-18 to 2023-24
Long description
| Distinctions-Based Group | IHR Prorated Investments (in millions) | Percentage of Total IHR Investments |
|---|---|---|
| Métis | $13.9 | 3.8% |
| Inuit | $33.3 | 9.2% |
| First Nations | $95.2 | 26.2% |
| General IHR | $167.3 | 46.1% |
| Baseline | $53.7 | 14.8% |
Total = $363.6M
Long description
| Fiscal Year | Distinctions-Based Group | IHR Prorated Investments (in millions) | Percentage of Total IHR Investments |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017-18 | Métis | $0.4 | 1.4% |
| 2018-19 | Métis | $0.9 | 2.6% |
| 2019-20 | Métis | $1.5 | 3.3% |
| 2020-21 | Métis | $3.0 | 4.6% |
| 2021-22 | Métis | $3.5 | 5.6% |
| 2022-23 | Métis | $2.0 | 3.3% |
| 2023-24 | Métis | $2.6 | 4.0% |
| 2017-18 | Inuit | $1.3 | 4.1% |
| 2018-19 | Inuit | $1.7 | 4.9% |
| 2019-20 | Inuit | $3.9 | 8.6% |
| 2020-21 | Inuit | $5.6 | 8.7% |
| 2021-22 | Inuit | $5.5 | 8.8% |
| 2022-23 | Inuit | $6.8 | 11.4% |
| 2023-24 | Inuit | $8.5 | 13.0% |
| 2017-18 | First Nations | $4.6 | 14.7% |
| 2018-19 | First Nations | $7.4 | 21.5% |
| 2019-20 | First Nations | $11.9 | 26.0% |
| 2020-21 | First Nations | $16.9 | 26.2% |
| 2021-22 | First Nations | $18.1 | 28.9% |
| 2022-23 | First Nations | $16.2 | 27.2% |
| 2023-24 | First Nations | $20.2 | 30.9% |
| 2017-18 | General IHR | $6.0 | 19.1% |
| 2018-19 | General IHR | $10.2 | 29.7% |
| 2019-20 | General IHR | $18.7 | 41.1% |
| 2020-21 | General IHR | $31.9 | 49.5% |
| 2021-22 | General IHR | $33.1 | 52.9% |
| 2022-23 | General IHR | $33.3 | 55.8% |
| 2023-24 | General IHR | $34.0 | 52.1% |
| 2017-18 | Baseline | $19.1 | 60.8% |
| 2018-19 | Baseline | $14.2 | 41.3% |
| 2019-20 | Baseline | $9.5 | 20.9% |
| 2020-21 | Baseline | $7.1 | 11.1% |
| 2021-22 | Baseline | $2.4 | 3.8% |
| 2022-23 | Baseline | $1.3 | 2.2% |
Proportions are a percent of the total prorated investments for that fiscal year. Distinctions-based total = $142.3M.
Distinctions-Based Investments FY 2017-18 to 2023-24
Long description
| Distinctions-Based Group | Distinctions-Based IHR Prorated Investments (in millions) | Percentage of Distinctions-Based IHR Prorated Investments |
|---|---|---|
| First Nations | $95.2 | 66.9% |
| Inuit | $33.3 | 23.4% |
| Métis | $13.9 | 9.8% |
Total = $142.3M
Long description
| Fiscal Year | Distinctions-Based Group | Distinctions-Based IHR Prorated Investments (in millions) | Percentage of Distinctions-Based IHR Prorated Investments |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017-18 | Métis | $0.4 | 6.9% |
| 2017-18 | Inuit | $1.3 | 20.3% |
| 2017-18 | First Nations | $4.6 | 72.8% |
| 2018-19 | Métis | $0.9 | 8.9% |
| 2018-19 | Inuit | $1.7 | 17.0% |
| 2018-19 | First Nations | $7.4 | 74.1% |
| 2019-20 | Métis | $1.5 | 8.7% |
| 2019-20 | Inuit | $3.9 | 22.7% |
| 2019-20 | First Nations | $11.9 | 68.5% |
| 2020-21 | Métis | $3.0 | 11.7% |
| 2020-21 | Inuit | $5.6 | 22.0% |
| 2020-21 | First Nations | $16.9 | 66.3% |
| 2021-22 | Métis | $3.5 | 12.9% |
| 2021-22 | Inuit | $5.5 | 20.4% |
| 2021-22 | First Nations | $18.1 | 66.8% |
| 2022-23 | Métis | $2.0 | 8.0% |
| 2022-23 | Inuit | $6.8 | 27.2% |
| 2022-23 | First Nations | $16.2 | 64.8% |
| 2023-24 | Métis | $2.6 | 8.3% |
| 2023-24 | Inuit | $8.5 | 27.1% |
| 2023-24 | First Nations | $20.2 | 64.5% |
Proportions are a percent of the total prorated investments for that fiscal year. Distinctions-based total = $142.3M.
Distinctions-Based Validated Grant Numbers FY 2017-18 to 2023-24
Long description
| Distinctions-Based Group | Number of Projects | Percentage of Validated Distinctions-Based IHR Projects |
|---|---|---|
| First Nations | 278 | 63.3% |
| Inuit | 69 | 15.7% |
| Multiple Groups | 59 | 13.4% |
| Métis | 33 | 7.5% |
Total = 439
Distinctions-Based Investments by Program FY 2017-18 to 2023-24
Long description
| Distinctions-Based Group | Departmental Results Framework Category | Distinctions-Based IHR Prorated Investments (in millions) | Percentage of Distinctions-Based IHR Prorated Investments |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Nations | Training and Career Support | $1.6 | 1.6% |
| First Nations | Research in Priority Areas | $41.8 | 43.9% |
| First Nations | Investigator Initiated | $51.8 | 54.4% |
| Inuit | Training and Career Support | $0.5 | 1.5% |
| Inuit | Research in Priority Areas | $15.9 | 47.8% |
| Inuit | Investigator Initiated | $16.9 | 50.7% |
| Métis | Training and Career Support | $0.2 | 1.8% |
| Métis | Investigator Initiated | $4.8 | 34.8% |
| Métis | Research in Priority Areas | $8.8 | 63.5% |
Proportions are a percent of the total prorated investments for that fiscal year. Distinctions-based total = $142.3M. (2017-18 - 2023-24)
Questions and answers
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What is Indigenous health research (IHR) at the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)?
IHR involves any health or wellness field conducted by, grounded in, or engaged with, First Nations, Inuit or Métis communities, their wisdom, cultures, experiences or knowledge systems, both past and present. For the full definition, please refer to the CIHR-IHR webpage.
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How does CIHR decide which projects are relevant to IHR, and how are distinctions-based investments identified?
CIHR determines IHR relevance through a validation process informed by the CIHR's definition of IHR and advice received at the time by the Institute of Indigenous Peoples' Health (IIPH) Institute Advisory Board (IAB). This process uses information submitted during the application process to assess whether projects align with IHR principles. Projects are considered IHR relevant if they have:
- Focus on Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Inuit and Métis) in Canada and/or Indigenous Peoples internationally; and
- Evidence of Indigenous leadership and/or
- Evidence of Indigenous methodology.
Projects are included in full or prorated based on the extent to which they meet these criteria. Proration is determined by factors such as the specific populations identified and the research location. These calculations are considered the best available estimates, acknowledging limitations in the data sources.
Once a project is validated as IHR relevant, it is further assessed for distinctions-based relevance. This means identifying whether the project specifically addresses the unique health priorities of First Nations, Inuit or Métis Peoples, or a combination of 2 or 3 of the groups.
Projects that do not specify a particular group but still align with IHR principles are categorized as general IHR and included in broader calculations. These projects use broader terms like "Indigenous Peoples" without indicating distinctions-based leadership or focus.
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What is "baseline", and how is it used in reporting?
The IHR investment baseline refers to the average proportion of IHR-relevant projects funded between fiscal years (FY) 2014-15 and 2016-17. This baseline (2.1%) was established following a revalidation process completed in 2018 to improve the accuracy of IHR investment estimates.
Projects included in the baseline were validated using an earlier methodology and are not included in the distinctions-based breakdown introduced in 2022-23. However, they remain part of the total investment in IHR and serve as a reference point for measuring progress over time.
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Is CIHR funding Training and Career Support (TCS) in IHR?
From FYs 2017-18 to 2023-24, 5.1% of CIHR's Grants and Awards expenditures went to TCS compared to 1.5% in TCS related to IHR. TCS includes fellowships and awards mainly in Investigator Initiated competitions. Some trainee awards are in the Research in Priority Areas (RPA), like Priority Announcement Doctoral Awards. When combining TCS and RPA, the total investment in training for IHR is 3.1%.
CIHR also funds indirect trainee support through grants. Researchers and institutions submit estimates for trainee salaries and stipends annually, but these broad estimates are not included in the total TCS investment in IHR.
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Are the IHR investment funding or percentage-or both- expected to vary from year-to-year?
IHR investments may vary annually and over time, as they are calculated based on in-year IHR-relevant expenditures relative to total CIHR Grants and Awards expenditures. Sustaining these investments depends on a steady flow of new IHR-relevant applications, highlighting the importance of continued capacity-building in IHR.
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Is urban Indigenous included in the data validation process?
The current validation processes, including distinctions-based, does not specifically isolate investments for urban Indigenous populations. However, relevant projects are identified and included in broader calculations.
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Does CIHR calculate Indigenous-led investments in IHR?
The validation process does not use identity-based data. Instead, it identifies Indigenous health research investments based on evidence of Indigenous leadership, methodology, or both. Relevant to this, the CIHR, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council held a series of engagements and published a What We Heard Report and the Tri-Agency Indigenous Citizenship and Membership Affirmation Policy.
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Will CIHR modify its investment commitment in IHR to align with Indigenous population growth in Canada?
CIHR acknowledges the 4.6% investment commitment within the IHR Action Plan is based on the 2016 Census data, while the 2021 Census shows First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples represent 5.0% of the total population in Canada.
CIHR is dedicated to strengthening support for IHR in a meaningful and sustainable way. This includes advancing distinction-based initiatives that address the unique health priorities of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples. CIHR's efforts are further guided by the interagency strategic plan Setting new directions to support Indigenous research and research training in Canada and advice from the Indigenous Leadership Circle in Research. Efforts to improve include expanding the eligibility for Indigenous individuals at community-based organizations to apply for funding, simplifying the process for Indigenous organizations to become eligible to administer Agency research funds and improving the recruitment of Indigenous reviewers and support learning for non-Indigenous reviewers.
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