Minister of Science and Innovation, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) are launching the Reconciliation Network in Response to Call to Action 65 (RN CTA 65) funding opportunity which directly responds to the Truth and Reconciliation Canada call to action 65.

Following their partnership agreement announced on February 1, 2022. SSHRC is investing up to $6 million in the RN CTA 65 competition with each grant valued at a maximum amount of $1 million per project for a duration of five years. This funding opportunity will support the establishment of a national research program with multiyear funding to advance collective understanding of reconciliation. As part of the Reconciliation Network, the teams funded under this initiative will participate in coordination activities managed by the NCTR in its role as coordination hub for the network.

SSHRC and the NCTR invite teams led by First Nations, Métis Nation or Inuit researchers to submit proposals for new or existing formal partnerships that contribute to our collective understanding of truth and reconciliation. Proposals could, for example, address residential schools’ history, or the ongoing legacy of residential schools and Canada’s policies of assimilation in one or more areas, including child welfare, education, language and culture, health, and justice. 

More details on this initiative can be found on the RN CTA 65 funding opportunity page.

Quotes

“True reconciliation means coming together. It calls for genuine collaboration between Indigenous Peoples and the Government of Canada. This landmark initiative will play an important role in advancing our partnerships as we build a national research program, clarify our collective understanding of reconciliation, and find new ways to heal our relationships.“

—The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

“The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation is pleased to partner with the Ministry of Science and Innovation, and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) to establish this national research program. We welcome this commitment from the Government of Canada and I strongly believe that this multi-year funding will support great work being done by First Nations, Métis Nation or Inuit researchers.” 

—Brenda Gunn, Academic and Research Director, NCTR

“As the host for the National Centre on Truth and Reconciliation, UM has an important role to play in Reconciliation in Canada. This investment through the Reconciliation Network is an important milestone in implementing the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. By investing in Indigenous researchers who teach at universities, these funds also support the ability of students to play an active role in advancing Truth and Reconciliation.”

—Dr. B. Mario Pinto, University of Manitoba, Vice-President (Research and International).

“While we still have a very long way to go, the investment from SSHRC for this national research program allows the NCTR to engage with survivors and community to preserve more of our truth as the centre of excellence in this subject area. I welcome this mutually beneficial relationship with SSHRC and the investment from Canada to ensure this work is survivor/Indigenous-led, centered in community, and respecting intellectual property rights of the survivors.”

—Eugene Arcand, NCTR Survivors Circle

“The launch of this network solidifies an important commitment SSHRC made in response to the TRC Calls to Action, and, specifically, our commitment to partner with the NCTR in response to Call to Action 65.  We are on a shared path to reconciliation and to building new relationships with Indigenous Peoples in support of their research priorities.“ 

—Dr Ted Hewitt, President of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council

Contact:Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council
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