Indigenous Research Engagement

The purpose of this fund is to support relationship building between U of L researchers and Indigenous communities with whom they are developing and undertaking research projects.

Deadline

Applications may be submitted at anytime throughout the year. Eligible applications will be funded on a first-come, first-served basis until the annual budget is depleted. Applicants may receive one Indigenous Research Engagement grant per project.

Budget for 2024-25

ORIS has allocated $30,000 in 2024-25 to support this program.

Award value

Grants may range from $500 to $5,000 depending on the project. Given the limited budget, requests for a smaller amount are welcome (and preferred) so that we may support a greater number of projects.

Eligible Applicants

Applications will be accepted from faculty and postdoctoral fellows who are conducting research at the University of Lethbridge.

Eligible expenses

Eligible expenses include:

• Travel to and from Indigenous communities. Please consult the Travel and Business Expense policy for guidance on current rates.
• Honoraria and culturally appropriate gifts for participants, particularly elders. Please consult the Indigenous Protocol Handbook for guidance.
• Activities to support the development of the partnership (e.g., public relations, coffee, snacks, meals)
• Graduate assistantship or stipend for Indigenous students

Ineligible expenses include purchase of equipment (including computers, laptops), indirect costs of research, and direct costs of research with the exception of the items noted above. If you are unsure if your budget item is eligible, please contact ORIS prior to submission.

Support for events should be sought through external funding opportunities; such as the CIHR Planning and Dissemination Grant or the SSHRC Connection Grant. Researchers in SSHRC-eligible disciplines may apply for SSHRC Exchange funding, which is supported by an institutional grant from SSHRC.

Internal funding cannot be stacked to support the project. For example, if the proposed project is already supported by an internal grant (such as the University of Lethbridge Research Fund, SSHRC Exchange, or SSHRC Explore), additional funds cannot be requested from the Indigenous Research Engagement fund

Application Process

Interested applicants must submit an Indigenous Engaged Research Grant application form. Applications should include the following information:

• A written proposal identifying the project description including details on the consultation process(es) that have taken place with the community(ies) in which, with, and for the research is taking place.
• A budget and a detailed explanation of costs. Please use the budget template.
• Details on other external funds that have been received (or applications that are pending) to support the research project.

Adjudication

All requests for support will be reviewed by the Vice-President Research, though input may be solicited from others as required. Final decisions rest with the Vice-President Research. Funding decisions will normally be made within four weeks of the application date.