TMU launches new funding programs to support Indigenous-led SRC projects
Toronto Metropolitan University has launched two new funding programs for Indigenous faculty to help support their research and creative projects.
Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) is launching two new funding programs to support Indigenous faculty members’ scholarly, research and creative (SRC) activities and expand Indigenous scholarship at TMU.
The funding programs were established in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Community Consultation Summary Report (2018), the Next Chapter action plan and recommendations that emerged from consultations with Indigenous faculty members and staff at TMU. The TMU community recommended multi-year funding to increase research on Indigenous topics, especially those related to advancing reconciliation and issues of special significance to Indigenous Peoples in an urban context. Advice from the community directly informed the frameworks for the funding programs.
The Indigenous SRC Distinction Fund is a competitive program offered once every two years and awards one Indigenous tenured or tenure-track professor up to $25,000 to support their SRC activities. Priorities include collaborations with Indigenous communities, involvement of Indigenous undergraduate or graduate students or research addressing issues of significance to Indigenous Peoples in an urban context.
A first for TMU, the Office of the Vice-President, Research and Innovation is providing non-competitive funding for activities that support Indigenous faculty members’ SRC initiatives. The Supplemental Indigenous SRC Fund supports up to 10 professors per year to a maximum of $5,000 per awardee. The funding may be used to support the training of Indigenous undergraduate and graduate students at TMU and SRC-related activities, such as engagement with Indigenous communities, honoraria for Indigenous Elders, travel to research sites, proposal development and/or administrative support.
“This research money is absolutely fabulous. I’m very excited and interested to see what the end results will be from the research that’s going to be done,” said Joanne Okimawininew Dallaire, Elder (Ke Shay Hayo) and TMU’s senior advisor, Indigenous relations and reconciliation. “Because of the issues that Indigenous folks have around the education system – a lot of it is historical and very problematic and trauma-inducing – it’s really good that Indigenous people get to research ourselves. I think this gives us the opportunity to have our own voices heard.”
“This funding will ensure Indigenous researchers at TMU have greater flexibility to advance important issues and embark on projects that are beneficial to Indigenous Peoples,” said Steven N. Liss, TMU’s vice-president, research and innovation. “Supporting the training of Indigenous students will also help ensure the expansion of Indigenous scholarship at TMU now and into the future.”
Learn more about the (PDF file) Indigenous SRC Distinction Fund.
Learn more about the (PDF file) Supplemental Indigenous SRC Fund.
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