April 28, 2025 – Saskatoon, SK: Genome Prairie in collaboration with funding supports from Genome Canada, announced today the launch of the Indigenous Genomics Training and Capacity program. This program will be focused on expanding technical, social scientific and community capacities to advance genomics research while upholding and advancing Indigenous self-determination.
This program includes a $400,000 fund via Genome Canada to support projects that build Indigenous capacity in genomics, while promoting the field as a viable career pathway. It also aims to support projects that integrate Indigenous knowledge, while also fostering interdisciplinary exploration.
Among eligibility requirements, funded projects must be Indigenous-led and be actively engaged with Indigenous communities, and project leaders and team members must be affiliated with an eligible institution. Funded projects must also be guided by Indigenous leadership to ensure impacts reflect the needs of Indigenous communities, while emphasizing the connection between knowledge, land and place in the learning process.
Applications for project funding will be accepted until September 15, 2025. Notification of successful applicants is expected to be announced by mid-October, with funded projects to start in early January, 2026.
QUOTES
“We are delighted to be a part of this important announcement. In the coming years, we must strive to provide greater opportunities for Indigenous people in science, including genomics. I applaud this program’s inclusivity and aim to ensure that projects are Indigenous-led and include knowledge and value systems important to Indigenous communities.”
– Dr. Lester Young, Genome Prairie Chief Scientific Officer
“This new program serves as an important milestone for the Canadian Genomics Enterprise. It is especially important to the prairie region as we continue down a path of greater opportunity for Indigenous people in the spirit of reconciliation. It is my hope the Indigenous Genomics Training and Capacity program will open more doors to future opportunities, especially for young people.”
– Mike Cey, Genome Prairie President and CEO
QUICK FACTS
- Genome Prairie is a Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and Winnipeg, Manitoba-based non-profit. Established in 2000, Genome Prairie has supported more than $400 million in genomics-based research activity relating to agriculture, the environment and human and animal health.
- The Indigenous Genomics Training and Capacity program has a number of key goals and objectives. They include:
- Training Indigenous highly qualified personnel (HQP): A cohort of Indigenous students and community practitioners equipped with advanced genomic skills and interdisciplinary expertise.
- Career transition opportunities: Participants successfully transitioning into independent research roles or advancing their careers in genomics and related fields.
- Culturally-integrated genomics practices: Development of research approaches, tools and methodologies that effectively integrate Indigenous knowledge systems, values and perspectives with contemporary science and technology.
- Community-led research projects: Indigenous-led genomics research initiatives that address community-identified priorities and promote self-determination.
- Knowledge-sharing and collaboration: Enhanced partnerships and collaborations between Indigenous communities, academic institutions and research organizations, fostering innovative and inclusive approaches to genomics.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Tony Bassett
Director of Communications
Genome Prairie
text/voice: 306.881.0255
email: tbassett@genomeprairie.ca
