News

Indigenous Cancer Research Network Joins CCRA

The CCRA Advisory Board is happy to welcome the Indigenous Cancer Research Network (ICRN) as the CCRA’s latest member. ICRN will be represented by Marilee Nowgesic, CEO of the Canadian Indigenous Nurses Association (CINA).

The Indigenous Cancer Research Network (ICRN), originally known as the Canadian Indigenous Research Network Against Cancer (CIRNAC), evolved as a vehicle to address cancer with, for, and by Indigenous peoples. The network is guided by a set of aims and an inclusion engagement circle model. The foundational work, funded by the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer, is underway and will formalize the governance structure, establish relationships, and identify thematic research areas and associated expertise in Indigenous research.

At the CCRA Annual Members Meeting in December, which was attended by Marilee and Dr. Angeline Letendre, CINA Vice President and Research Chair, Dr. Letendre spoke to the alignment of the ICRN with Canada’s Vision for Cancer Research – i.e., living innovation – Indigenous knowledge systems are living with land-based language systems; intrepid science – Indigenous research and ways of seeing can work alongside Western science and lift it up; activated populations – burgeoning interest in and engagement with Indigenous communities.

Welcome ICRN!