Indigenous Initiatives (II) + Equity, Diversity, Inclusion (EDI) in Research

Indigenous Initiatives and Equity, Diversity, Inclusion in our research and innovation

The University of Alberta is committed to advancing Indigenous initiatives (II) and equity, diversity, inclusion (EDI) across our research and innovation ecosystem. Incorporating II + EDI strengthens our research programs and projects by harnessing a broader range of ideas, skills, expertise, perspectives and disciplines-which further enhances outcomes, impacts and social relevance and better reflects Canada's diversity, the diverse and globalized world we live and work in, and our responsibilities to the peoples and the lands where we live and work.

The university is proud to have been among the first signatories of the Government of Canada's Dimensions: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Canada charter. Dimensions Canada is a national program to increase EDI within Canada's post-secondary institutions and the university research ecosystem.

The following information and resources are provided to help our research and innovation community implement II + EDI policies and practices into their respective research programs, projects and research environments:

Internal resources

• Office of the Vice Provost (Indigenous Programming & Research)
• Situated Knowledges: Indigenous Peoples and Place Virtual Colloquium 2020
• Indigenous Canada is a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) from the Faculty of Native Studies that explores Indigenous histories and contemporary issues in Canada.
• University of Alberta Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity Strategic Plan
• EDI at UAlberta
• Intersection of Gender signature area is an academic hub focused on intersectional gender research, supporting interdisciplinary research collaborations, and engaging communities across all sectors on gender + intersectionality.

External/funder resources

• Tri-Agency EDI Action Plan for 2018-2025
• Best Practices in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Research - created for New Frontiers in Research Fund applicants but useful for all Tri-Council funding applicants.
• Setting New Directions to Support Indigenous Research and Research Training in Canada 2019-2022 - this Tri-Council plan, co-developed with Indigenous Peoples, addresses key principles of self-determination, decolonization of research, accountability and equitable access.
• Canada Research Chair EDI requirements and practices
• Tri-Agency unconscious bias in peer review (online module)
• Supporting Women in Research
• CIHR Impacts of integrating sex and gender in research
• Gender-based Analysis + (GBA+) - an analytical process to assess how diverse groups may experience policies, programs and initiatives.

Additional resources

• Underrepresented and Underpaid: Diversity & Equity Among Canada's Post-Secondary Education Teachers (2018)
• The Equity Myth: Racialization and Indigeneity at Canadian Universities (2017) - discusses barriers in academia faced by racialized and Indigenous faculty, including racism, unconscious or implicit biases such as curriculum vitae and/or accent bias among others.
• Strengthening Canada's Research Capacity: The Gender Dimension (2012) - highlights bias, stereotypes, lack of role models/mentors, and barriers faced by women in research.
• Are gender gaps due to evaluations of the applicant or the science? A natural experiment at a national funding agency (2019)
• How diversity makes us smarter (2014)