Indigenous Genomics Training and Capacity Archives

eDNA Surveillance can tell us nature’s secrets

As humans, we don’t live in a bubble. We’re connected to all living things around us, so it only makes sense to better understand the impact humans, animals and the environment have on each other. That’s where Environmental DNA (eDNA) comes in!

This advanced surveillance technique is emerging as a non-invasive method to better understand how our changing climate is impacting all living things, especially human health. Ontario Genomics is funding two new projects through Genome Canada’s eDNA Surveillance Initiative that gives regional support to better develop more sensitive and accurate detection methods.

One project will help two First Nations communities develop and implement new eDNA/eRNA tools for wastewater and ecological monitoring, while the other will track and correlate environmental and clinical antimicrobial resistance. An ethical and inclusive governance policy framework will be co-created with First Nations communities to ensure privacy protection, confidentiality and data integrity while respecting Indigenous sovereignty.

The road to reconciliation is a long path that hasn’t traditionally included the field of science. But a new funding opportunity is looking to create space for Indigenous people and perspectives in genomics.

Indigenous Genomics Training and Capacity program is designed to strengthen First Nations (status and non-status), Métis and Inuit technical, social scientific and community capacities¹ to engage with and conduct genomics research in ways that uphold and advance Indigenous rights to self-determination.

The program will provide Indigenous-led training opportunities for Indigenous students and community practitioners, equipping them with genomic skills and capabilities that integrate Indigenous knowledge systems, values and perspectives with modern science, technology and social scientific critique. It will foster the exploration of the intersections between Indigenous ways of knowing and practices, and disciplines such as genomics, environmental science and other scientific and technological fields.

Primary objectives of this funding program:

Building Indigenous capacity in genomics
Promoting career development
Integrating Indigenous knowledge and perspectives
Advancing Indigenous self-determination
Fostering interdisciplinary exploration

Key requirements of the projects supported through this program:

Designed for and by Indigenous Peoples: Projects guided by Indigenous leadership, ensuring they reflect the needs, priorities and aspirations of Indigenous communities while fostering empowerment and self-determination
Indigenous-led research and collaboration: Prioritizing research and partnerships led by Indigenous scientists, integrating traditional knowledge systems with cutting-edge scientific practices to address community-driven challenges
Indigenous technoscience curriculum: A dynamic curriculum developed and taught by Indigenous educators, merging cultural teachings with technical, social scientific and ethical considerations in genomics and related fields
Place-based learning: Training tailored to the unique cultural, environmental and social contexts of communities, emphasizing the connection between knowledge, land and place in the learning process
Community of practice framework: Participants supported within a collaborative network of peers, mentors and experts, creating an environment for shared learning, knowledge exchange and sustained professional growth
Practical skills development in genomics: Hands-on training equipping participants with advanced technical and analytical skills in genomics, ensuring they are prepared to apply their knowledge to real-world challenges and opportunities
Data sovereignty and innovation: Emphasizing ethical data management and analysis, focusing on Indigenous data sovereignty while fostering innovation in genomics to benefit Indigenous communities

Eligibility criteria

The project must be Indigenous-led and actively engaged with Indigenous communities.
Project leaders and team members must be affiliated with an eligible institution.

Available funding and term

A maximum of $400,000 is available from Genome Canada.
Funding will be allocated to up to TWO (2) projects.
Funded projects will have a maximum term of THREE (3) years.
Co-funding is not required but is encouraged.

Application submissions

The Indigenous Genomics Training and Capacity program will include a one stage application process. Applicants are required to apply through Genome Canada’s Proposal Central Portal through a regional Genome Centre.

1 – Community capacities refers to the applied skills, knowledge systems and learning approaches that Indigenous communities identify as essential for engaging with and advancing genomics research and knowledge creation. These capacities may be rooted in Indigenous knowledge and practices, or integrated with scientific methods and methodologies.