The Inuvialuit Regional Corporation (IRC) is pleased to announce the launch of the Inuvialuit Community Research Network
The Inuvialuit Regional Corporation (IRC) is excited to launch the Inuvialuit Community Research Network on May 22nd, 2024. This Network will be the first of its kind in Inuit Nunangat, boosting ongoing efforts to enhance Inuvialuit research capacity in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region. The Inuvialuit Community Research Network will benefit Inuvialuit Beneficiaries by providing employment opportunities in each of the six communities, mobilizing opportunities to provide skills and professional development training and ultimately, building local research capacity in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region (ISR).
The Network will increase Inuvialuit capacity and self-determination in research by:
– Improving research communication with Inuvialuit Beneficiaries (e.g., making data from research studies widely available to community members) and ensuring everyone knows about opportunities to participate in research.
– Ensuring Inuvialuit are meaningfully involved in research policy and processes in the ISR.
– Strengthening Inuvialuit capacity to lead ISR research activities.
– Mentoring the next generation of Inuvialuit researchers.
– Ensuring that Inuvialuit Knowledge and Western Science are equally respected in policy/decisions related to the ISR.
The Network will be a part of the Innovation, Inuvialuit Science and Climate Change (ISCC) Division and consist of six Inuvialuit Community Research Administrators (CRA) managed by the Community Research Manager. There will be one CRA based in each ISR community. The CRAs will serve as the point of contact for research matters in their home communities, and support the implementation of IRC’s climate change, energy, marine, Inuvialuit Knowledge, sociocultural and environmental research programs. CRAs will be provided ongoing training and skill development opportunities to support professional development that aligns with their roles and interests. Training opportunities may include mentorship, job shadowing, courses, and training workshops.
The ISCC Division would like to thank all Inuvialuit Beneficiaries and community stakeholders who continue contributing to IRC’s research values and principles as we actualize Inuvialuit-led research in the ISR. We would also like to thank the Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs (CIRNA) and the Canadian Coast Guard for supporting the Inuvialuit Community Research Network through various funding programs from their departments. IRC encourages community members and Inuvialuit Beneficiaries to utilize this innovative Network to propel our research capabilities. For more information, contact Jenn Parrott, Director of the Innovation, Inuvialuit Science, and Climate Change Division, at 867-777-7053 or jparrott@inuvialuit.com.
