The Indigenous-led funding stream reflects the commitment of Kids Brain Health Network (KBHN) to reconciliation, respect for Indigenous leadership, and the recognition that meaningful solutions for Indigenous communities must be rooted in the knowledge, priorities, and strengths of Indigenous Peoples.
We invite Indigenous academics, governments, organizations, communities, Knowledge Keepers, and innovators to bring forward projects that:
- Improve outcomes for Indigenous children and youth with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their caregivers
- Are grounded in community-identified priorities, Indigenous knowledges, languages, and cultural practices
- Strengthen culturally appropriate approaches to care, support, and inclusion
- Have clearly identified goals and expected outcomes
Who can apply
This funding stream is open to any faculty member at an eligible Canadian institution and must be in partnership with:
- Indigenous-led organizations and communities; and/or
- Indigenous service providers or health authorities; and/or
- Indigenous entrepreneurs, Knowledge Holders, or innovators; and/or
- Collaborative partnerships where leadership rests with Indigenous organizations or communities
If you’re unsure whether you qualify, we welcome you to connect with Corey Fortier, Implementation and Programs Director, at cfortier@kidsbrainhealth.ca.
What projects are eligible
We fund a wide range of projects, including those in the early implementation relationship-building stage or fully implementation-ready. Projects must address a core challenge in early identification, access to evidence-based interventions, and/or support for families.
Projects may include, but are not limited to:
- Community-based research, interventions, or innovation
- Land, language, or culture-based approaches to support and wellbeing
- Capacity building for families or front-line workers
- Indigenous models of early intervention, inclusion, or care
- Adaptation or translation of programs into Indigenous contexts
- Tools or resources created with and for Indigenous families
KBHN respects data and evaluation approaches grounded in OCAP principles.
Funding opportunities
Further details on funding opportunities and application templates will be available soon soon.
Timeline
Further details on timelines will be available soon, with proposal submissions expected in Fall 2025.
Call for Applications: Advisory Circle Members
Kids Brain Health Network (KBHN) is honoured to invite expressions of interest from First Nations, Inuit, and Métis leaders, Elders, Knowledge Holders, innovators, and community members to form an Advisory Circle that will guide the development and selection process of the Indigenous Stream.