A member of the University of Guelph community has been named to the Indigenous Leadership Circle in Research, a group formed by the Canadian Research Coordinating Committee to advise the country’s three federal research funding agencies.

Dr. Jesse Popp, professor in the School of Environmental Sciences and Chair in Indigenous Environmental Science, will join a group of more than 20 academics, Indigenous Elders and community members to monitor the progress of a strategic plan developed to ensure new models for Indigenous research and research training are informed by First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples.

“I am humbled and honoured to join the Indigenous Leadership Circle in Research with the Canada Research Coordinating Committee,” Popp said.

“I look forward to sharing insights I have gained and hope to continue learning from Indigenous nations, organizations, Elders and Knowledge Holders on ways to support research that contributes to building long-lasting and meaningful relationships, that equally values ways of knowing and that prioritizes reconciliation in the lands also known as Canada,” Popp said.

The plan, titled, “Setting new directions to support Indigenous research and research training in Canada 2019-2022,” was published by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), and was launched in 2020.

The strategy is guided by four principles: self-determination, decolonization of research, accountability and equitable access.

Leadership Circle members were selected based on recommendations from a committee comprising First Nations, Inuit and Métis scholars and community members.

The members will identify issues and opportunities and provide guidance on enhancing support for Indigenous research and training.