Postsecondary institutions, Indigenous communities partner on research projects

Several postsecondary institutions and Indigenous communities have recently announced that they will be embarking on research projects together. Langara College, Musqueam First Nation, and YMCA BC’S Early Years and Family Development Branch will be embarking on an applied research project focused on early childhood learning, thanks to a recent $2.67M boost from the Government of Canada. The three-year funding will support a project exploring how virtual and immersive learning can prepare early childhood educators to work more inclusively with Indigenous, racialized, and diverse children and families. Simon Fraser University, the University of Victoria, the First Nations Housing and Infrastructure Council, BC Housing, and Technical Safety BC have received $1M from the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions to study climate solutions for BC’s rural, remote, and Indigenous communities. Several research projects involving researchers from postsecondary institutions and Indigenous community partners received substantive support from the announced Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF) to embark on projects related to green energy, climate action, arctic shipping, and more.