News Release
The Council of Canadian Academies (CCA) is pleased to announce it is undertaking two new assessments supported by the Government of Canada through the Strategic Science Fund.
Both Indigenous and western science can be applied to address a range of important systemic challenges, from food security to health risks to climate change. However, efforts to coalesce them to develop solutions have not been fully realized, leading to inconsistent consideration of Indigenous science in decision-making. The Government of Canada’s Indigenous Science, Technology, Mathematics, and Engineering (I-STEM) Cluster has asked the CCA to provide an assessment on how Indigenous science can be supported to advance policy and governance in a way that achieves reciprocal benefits for all people in Canada.
The report will examine approaches to including Indigenous science and leadership in decision-making to support the development of policies that are strengthened by the meaningful inclusion of Indigenous knowledges, and lead to mutual economic, environmental, and social benefits and the advancement of Indigenous priorities. Food sovereignty will used as a case study to develop a framework that can be applied to other issues.
A diverse, multidisciplinary expert panel will be appointed in the coming weeks and their report is expected to be published in 2026.
Sponsor: Indigenous Science, Technology, Mathematics and Engineering (I-STEM) Cluster hosted by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC).
Supporting departments and agencies: Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Health Canada, Ingenium, Knowledge Circle for Indigenous Inclusion, National Research Council Canada, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, Natural Resources Canada, and Public Health Agency of Canada.
Research infrastructure is an essential part of Canada’s science and innovation ecosystem and supports a broad range of national priorities. Together, Canada’s national-scale scientific facilities, digital platforms, and collaborative networks provide a critical foundation for the future of scientific research, innovation, economic prosperity, and the well-being of all people in Canada.
At the request of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, the CCA will assess strategies for enhancing Canada’s national research infrastructure to support the future of Canadian science and innovation. The assessment will provide strategic insights and analysis to support the federal government in optimizing Canada’s national research infrastructure to support current and future needs.
A diverse, multidisciplinary expert panel will review the strengths and weaknesses of Canada’s current national research infrastructure portfolio, best practices in infrastructure planning and development, and the strategic factors that might support responses to future challenges and opportunities. Janet King—Chair of Polar Knowledge Canada’s Board of Directors, and Vice-Chair of the Canadian Light Source’s Board of Directors—will serve as chair of the expert panel, whose members will be appointed in the coming weeks. Their report is expected to be published in 2026.
Sponsor: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.
Supporting departments and agencies: Public Services and Procurement Canada, National Research Council Canada, Canada Foundation for Innovation, and Shared Services Canada.