The WLN is announcing a call for applications for the 2023 Indigenous Health Research Co-Learning Workshop Fund.  

Description:  

The WLN Indigenous Health Research Co-Learning Workshop Fund will support gatherings geared toward short-term, targeted capacity-building and co-learning activities. Workshops must have well-defined research goals; and not require registration fees. These activities may include training, capacity and skills building, and networking for the purposes of enhancing ICCO’s research knowledge and skills in the Wabanaki-Labrador region.  

Objectives:

The WLN Co-Learning Workshop Fund offers short term support to Indigenous Communities, Collectives, and Organizations (ICCO) in the region to host a co-learning workshop or gathering that will advance collective knowledge about health research. All workshops should produce a final summary report as well as at least one knowledge-sharing output (video, blog, webinar, podcast, a conference presentation or peer reviewed publication, for example). These outputs will be shared across the Wabanaki-Labrador region, (defined by the WLN as including New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Nova Scotia) and beyond.  

The overall goal of this funding is to build Indigenous-led health research capacity across the Wabanaki-Labrador region. The objectives of this funding program are to: 

• Support capacity-building around a research topic that has been identified as a health priority area by at least one or more ICCOs in the region. 

• Develop research skills of ICCOs related to one or more aspects of Indigenous health research. This might include (but not limited to) research grant-writing, research methodologies, financial reporting, research ethics processes, knowledge translation/mobilization, data sovereignty and/ or management, etc.).  

Funds Available: 

The maximum amount per workshop award that can be requested is $25,000 for one year. There are 8 available awards in this competition. These will be allocated as follows Newfoundland and Labrador (2); New Brunswick (2); Prince Edward Island (2); Nova Scotia (2). Funding is non-renewable. 

Eligibility: 

1. WLN Membership: To be eligible to apply for funding all members for your research team must register to become a member of the WLN. By joining the WLN you agree to receive our e-digest, email communications, and invitations to participate in WLN activities. Please register here.

2. NEW Eligibility to hold WLN Funds: Funds for WLN calls can be held by a Not-for Profit Indigenous community, collaborative or organization (ICCO), so long as it has an explicit health research or Knowledge Translation mandate and is in the Wabanaki-Labrador region (NS, NB, NFLD and Labrador, and PEI).

3. The ICCO must be located in the Wabanaki-Labrador region, which is defined as including New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador. 

4. Workshops must address a key research priority of the ICCO. For example, if a community wants to build capacity in research grant administration, research methodologies, or navigating Tri-Council funding, these topics could be the focus of a workshop(s).  

5. The application must include roles for youth and Elders and/or Traditional Knowledge Keepers (as your community defines those roles). 

6. Funded groups may need to demonstrate the ability to receive funds, pay expenses, and complete financial reporting. We will work with all funded groups to offer support where needed. 

What to Include in the Application:

1. Application form - updated November 28th 2023

2. Project narrative: A three (3) page description of your proposed workshop or co-learning event. Please see guiding questions and instructions. 

3. Budget template and justification: A budget template is provided for your use. This allows you to itemize and justify eligible expenses. The total funds requested must not exceed $25,000 over the 1-year funding period. The budget may include additional expenses that will be covered by other sources. WLN will not support any expenses incurred outside the agreed funding period.  More details on eligible and ineligible expenses can be found on the main funding page here.

4. Timeline: provide an outline of your proposed timeline with key milestones in the planning process pre and post event. A template is provided for guidance.  

5. Strategic priorities: Applicants need to include a description of their organization’s strategic priorities. This document must include a description of how the organization meets the eligibility requirement of being an ICCO with a research or knowledge translation mandate; justification about why the organization is well suited for this funding.  

6. Appendix A (Applicant profile, resumé, or CV template: Please complete the Applicant Profile (maximum 5 pages) OR submit a resumé or CV (5-pages maximum) for each team member listed on the application. Please ensure that the information included demonstrates skills, experience and expertise that is directly related to the proposed project.

7. Appendix B (Letters of support): Letters of support demonstrate partnerships that are needed or in place to undertake the proposed activities. Please provide relevant letters of support from partners to demonstrate the role of the partners in relation to the activities proposed. The letters should also include any contributions that your potential partners and/or collaborators will make to your workshop (actual or in kind).    

8. References cited (if applicable): Please include references for all literature and sources you have cited in your proposal. A bibliography or reference list should be in a separate word document. There is no limit to the number of references that can be used. *If there are any articles or literature you need and do not have access to, reach out and the WLN may be able to help you. 

The WLN core team will be available to offer support and answer questions as you prepare your application. Please contact us anytime at wln@dal.ca