At Alberta FNIGC, we’re proud to celebrate the remarkable strides being made through First Nations co-led research initiatives. These projects not only highlight the strength and resilience of our communities but also demonstrate the transformative potential of Indigenous-driven data, research, and policy development. Below, we share inspiring examples of projects that are creating positive change across treaty First Nations in the Alberta region.
Building Stronger Healthcare Foundations
1. Alberta First Nations Cancer Strategy and Practice Change Implementation Initiative – Phase II
This initiative emphasizes community capacity building by creating learning modules for oncology care providers, ensuring that cancer care is informed by cultural understanding and tailored to First Nations needs. By enhancing the training of healthcare professionals, we’re fostering a system of care that’s more responsive to our communities.
2. Culturally Safe Access to Cancer Prevention and Screening
This pilot project focuses on promoting early detection and prevention of cancer through culturally safe online interventions. Video and pamphlet resources, along with courses on our Learning Management System, aim to empower both healthcare providers and First Nations communities to actively engage in cancer prevention and screening.
3. Knowledge Mobilization to Enhance HPV Vaccine Uptake in Alberta First Nations Youth
With the aim of increasing HPV vaccination rates, this project is developing online resources and tools tailored to First Nations youth. The initiative ensures that these materials are evaluated by First Nations communities, fostering a strategy rooted in collaboration and cultural relevance.
Empowering Communities Through Policy and Data
4. Exploring Policy, Research, and Data Related to Gender-Based Violence with an Indigenous Lens
This project establishes a baseline knowledge of existing data on gender-based violence, paving the way for focused approaches to protect First Nations women, girls, and Two-Spirit+ individuals.
5. First Nations Emergency Departments – Simulation and Intervention
Addressing anti-racism practices, this initiative explores the quality of care in Alberta’s emergency departments through co-designed simulations that improve the experience of Indigenous patients.
6. First Nations Data Governance Strategy/National Data Strategy
Ongoing efforts to develop a Data Sovereignty platform ensure First Nations have greater control over their data, fostering self-determination and informed decision-making.
Supporting Youth and Well-Being
7. Promote Mental Health & Well-Being of Indigenous Youth Aging Out-of-Care
This project focuses on supporting youth transitioning from care to urban settings by promoting healthy lifestyle choices and cultural connections, including land-based skills training guided by Elders.
8. Indigenous Healthy Life Trajectories (I-HeLTI)
Collaborating with researchers and Nations across Canada, I-HeLTI seeks to restore healthy family systems in Indigenous communities by addressing intergenerational health outcomes.
Future Work and Continued Growth
Looking ahead, projects like the Data Literacy Project and Sexually Transmitted and Blood Borne Infections Initiative are poised to build even greater capacity in First Nations communities. These initiatives will strengthen understanding, foster collaboration, and ensure that all work is grounded in First Nations values and OCAP® principles.
Through these efforts, Alberta FNIGC continues to champion the power of First Nations-led research to improve health, education, and social outcomes while preserving and respecting the traditions and knowledge of our communities. Each project is a testament to the potential of collaboration, cultural relevance, and data sovereignty in driving meaningful change.
Would you like to learn more about these initiatives? Stay connected with Alberta FNIGC for updates on our work and its impact by signing up to our monthly newsletter here.