CCRA Commitment to Reconciliation: Statement
As a group of cancer research funders and research-related entities, the Canadian Cancer Research Alliance (CCRA) affirms its commitment to reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples from coast to coast to coast. We value First Nations, Inuit and Métis leadership and the right to self-determination as set out in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
As Members of the CCRA, we recognize colonization as a social determinant of health and wellness for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples. Inequitable cancer outcomes experienced by First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples today are a direct result of the cumulative impacts of historical and ongoing experiences of colonialism—racism, discrimination, loss of culture, forced assimilation, suppression of traditional healing practices—which have caused inequities and intergenerational trauma. In the research context, Indigenous communities have been subjected to exploitation by non-Indigenous researchers, resulting in direct and long-lasting harms including neglect within health systems, and the misappropriation of Indigenous data, knowledges, resources, and intellectual property. The research discourse should focus on a strengths-based framework with an emphasis on capacities and abilities that already exist within First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities.
We commit to working in partnership with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities with humility and respect for Indigenous self-determination and data sovereignty, guided by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action
- 19, to close gaps in health outcomes between Indigenous and non- Indigenous Canadians
- 20, to identify and address the distinct health needs of the Métis, Inuit, and off-reserve Indigenous Peoples
- 22, to recognize and integrate Indigenous healing practices in collaboration with Elders and healers
- 23, to increase the number and support the retention of Indigenous health professionals
- 57, to provide public servants with education on Indigenous history, rights, and anti-racism
The CCRA members are committed to building relationships with the diverse communities of First Nations, Inuit and Métis researchers and organizations, engaging in meaningful dialogue, recognizing Indigenous rights and perspectives, and co-creating inclusive and tailored approaches to build capacity and advance cancer research across the research continuum.
Members of the Alliance commit to co-creating an action plan in the coming year founded on:
- Respect for Indigenous Sovereignty
Upholding the principles of OCAP®, Principles of Ethical Métis Research, Manitoba Métis Principles of OCAS and the Inuit Qaujisarnirmut Pilirijjutit (IQP) Research Guidelines and other data management principles developed and approved by communities, and based on free, prior and informed consent. This includes, but is not limited to, considerations of Indigenous data sovereignty, as well as data collection, ownership, protection, use, and sharing. - Ethical and Trust-Based Relationships
Engaging in long-term, reciprocal partnerships with Indigenous communities that acknowledges their distinct histories, cultures, interests, priorities, needs and values, recognizing that “research progresses at the speed of trust.” - Recognition of the Value and Importance of Indigenous Knowledge Systems
Prioritizing the contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Elders, Knowledge Keepers, communities, and research scholars and embracing the multidirectional learning, knowledge sharing, and co-learning.
We understand that reconciliation is not a one-time act but a continuous journey. Through humility, respect, ongoing reflection, and a commitment to reconciliation, the CCRA aims to work with and honour Indigenous Rights, knowledges, and leadership within the Canadian cancer research community to ultimately improving cancer outcomes for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples.
This statement is a living document and will be refined to reflect changes and updates.
Approved: 2025-Dec-10