Azrieli CHILD-BRIGHT Fellowship Program - Fourth Call

In collaboration with the Azrieli Foundation, CHILD-BRIGHT is launching a fourth call for postdoctoral researchers to work on our implementation science research projects in support of children with brain-based developmental disabilities. 

We are looking to fill three new positions for the following network teams:

Implementation Science Research Program (Supervising PI: Janet Curran, IWK Health Centre)

Prenatal Opioid Exposure and Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (POE-NAS): Addressing Prenatal Opioid Exposure in First Nation Communities (Supervising PI: Astrid Guttmann, ICES)

CHILD-BRIGHT GRIP (Genome-wide sequencing Readiness and Implementation in Practice) Study: A hybrid implementation-effectiveness observational study of clinical genome-wide sequencing in Ontario (Supervising PI: Robin Hayeems, SickKids)

Applications must be submitted by December 1, 2023.

Don’t hesitate to contact pierre.zwiegers@child-bright.ca if you have any questions. We would also appreciate if you could share this opportunity within your networks to help us find our ideal candidates.

Thank you!

The CHILD-BRIGHT Network

Pioneering Inclusive Patient-Oriented Research: Indigenous Knowledge and the Etiology of Community-Based Healthcare Approaches

Thanks in part to the work that we do at the CHILD-BRIGHT Network, patient-oriented research has been growing as a groundbreaking paradigm in healthcare in Canada that emphasizes active involvement and collaboration with people with lived experience and their communities in all aspects of the research process. This approach recognizes the unique value of lived experiences and local insights in shaping effective healthcare solutions. While patient-oriented research has gained prominence in recent years, it's important to acknowledge that Indigenous Knowledge and practices have long been pioneering the principles that underpin community-based healthcare approaches. Incorporating Indigenous Knowledge in patient-oriented research enhances the value of cultural diversity, fosters community engagement, and results in healthcare approaches that are effective as well as culturally sensitive.

The synergy between Indigenous Knowledge and patient-oriented research

Indigenous communities across Canada possess a rich tapestry of knowledge and practices that have been nurturing community well-being for centuries. Rooted in the interconnectedness of all aspects of health—physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual—Indigenous Knowledge offers profound insights into holistic healthcare.

Incorporating Indigenous Knowledge in patient-oriented research offers a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between Western medical practices and Indigenous healthcare traditions. It acknowledges that healthcare solutions are most effective when they are rooted in cultural context and community needs. By drawing on the strengths of both worlds, healthcare researchers can develop interventions that are not only clinically sound but also respectful of cultural diversity and community values.

Key contributions of Indigenous Knowledge to patient-oriented research 

Holistic health perspective: Indigenous communities often view health holistically, recognizing the interconnectedness of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. This holistic approach emphasizes the importance of addressing all these aspects for child development and wellness. For instance, it ensures that children are supported in all dimensions of their health[1].

Community-centered care: Indigenous communities value community-based care and support networks. In patient-oriented research, involving the community in decision-making and research co-design can lead to more relevant and effective interventions. For example, the Mohawk Nation's approach to child development often involves Elders and community members in decision-making, ensuring cultural relevance and community engagement[2]. In patient-oriented research, involving the community in decision-making and research design can lead to more relevant and effective interventions.

Land-based healing: Many Indigenous cultures hold the belief in the healing potential of the land, where land-based activities like hunting, fishing, and traditional food practices can be integrated into healthcare strategies aimed at enhancing child development and overall well-being. An illustrative example of this practice is found in the Inuit community of Nunavut, which incorporates traditional land-based activities into child development programs, notably the Makimautiksat Youth Camp. This program adopts a holistic approach to youth wellness, drawing upon Inuit wisdom and traditions encompassing physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being, and supplements these elements with land-based components guided by Elders and knowledge keepers[3]. Through this comprehensive approach, this fosters cultural heritage with contemporary research[4].

Cultural safety, sensitivity, and humility: Cultural safety in healthcare involves providing care that respects and acknowledges the cultural beliefs and practices of Indigenous people. This approach can help reduce healthcare disparities and improve healthcare outcomes. The Anishinaabe Nation in Ontario places a strong emphasis on cultural humility in healthcare, ensuring that providers continuously learn from and respect the cultural diversity of their patients[5][6]. Patient-oriented research recognizes these principles as essential for reducing healthcare disparities and improving patient outcomes.

As we move forward in our healthcare journey, embracing patient-oriented research as a transformative approach, let's also honour the pioneering contributions of Indigenous Knowledge. By uniting the strengths of both Indigenous wisdom and patient-oriented research, we can build a healthcare system that not only prioritizes clinical excellence but also celebrates cultural diversity, community values, and the power of lived experiences. The synergy between Indigenous Knowledge and POR is a testament to the potential for collaboration and innovation in creating a healthier, more inclusive future for all.

Want to learn more about our work in Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Decolonization, and Indigenization (EDI-DI)? Read our EDI-DI framework here.

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[1] https://www.mcgill.ca/tcpsych/files/tcpsych/Report8.pdf Oblin, C. (1997). (rep.). Widening the Circle: Collaborative Research for Mental Health Promotion in Native Communities (Vol. C, p. 32). Montreal, QC: McGill University.

[2] Viscogliosi C, Asselin H, Basile S, Borwick K, Couturier Y, Drolet MJ, Gagnon D, Obradovic N, Torrie J, Zhou D, Levasseur M. Importance of Indigenous elders' contributions to individual and community wellness: results from a scoping review on social participation and intergenerational solidarity. Can J Public Health. 2020 Oct;111(5):667-681. doi: 10.17269/s41997-019-00292-3. Epub 2020 Feb 27. PMID: 32109314; PMCID: PMC7501322.

[3] Indigenous Land-Based Healing Programs in Canada - nwtspor.ca. Hotıì ts’eeda Northwest Territories SPOR Support Unit. (2019, November 6). https://nwtspor.ca/sites/default/files/2019-11-06_ht_lit_review_indigenous_land-based_healing_final.pdf

[4]  Shirley Tagalik, S. (2012, January). Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit: The role of Indigenous knowledge in supporting ... he National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health . https://www.ccnsa-nccah.ca/docs/health/FS-InuitQaujimajatuqangitWellnessNunavut-Tagalik-EN.pdf

[5] FNHA Policy Statement: Cultural Safety and Humility." First Nations Health Authority, www.fnha.ca/Documents/FNHA-Policy-Statement-Cultural-Safety-and-Humility.pdf

[6] Indigenous History and Health Systems Transformation Booklet." Indigenous Primary Health Care Council, iphcc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Indigenous-HST_Booklet.pdf

Join Us as an Indigenous Co-Lead for Equity and Inclusion at CHILD-BRIGHT!

The CHILD-BRIGHT Network is searching for an Indigenous Co-Lead to collaborate with Dr. Nomazulu Dlamini, Program Lead of our Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Decolonization & Indigenization (EDI-DI) Program. If you are a Canadian academic leader with a deep commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in children's health, and if you share our vision of inclusive research environments, we encourage you to take part in co-steering the efforts of the CHILD-BRIGHT EDI-DI Program from 2023 to 2026.  

About CHILD-BRIGHT

The CHILD-BRIGHT Network is a pan-Canadian patient-oriented research network based at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre. Created in 2016, it works to create brighter futures for children and youth with brain-based developmental disabilities and their families. Funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) under Canada’s Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research (SPOR) and 15 funding partners across the country, our national network includes 350 researchers, clinicians, decision-makers, youth, and parents.

CHILD-BRIGHT’s extensive research program was developed based on research priorities identified by youth, parents, and other knowledge users such as frontline clinicians and health care administrators. From 2016 to 2022, CHILD-BRIGHT carried out 13 multi-centre projects focusing on three themes: early intervention to promote brain and child development; strategies to support the mental health of children and families; and service delivery redesign to address gaps in service. From 2022 to 2026, CHILD-BRIGHT is moving its patient-oriented research into action through insight and methods grounded in implementation science and knowledge mobilization, and by embedding the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, decolonization and Indigenization.  

Position Overview: Indigenous Co-Lead for the EDI-DI Program  

We are seeking an exceptional individual to work alongside Dr. Nomazulu Dlamini, Program Lead of our EDI-DI Program, to co-steer the efforts of the CHILD-BRIGHT EDI-DI Program. Your role will be pivotal in ensuring that the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, decolonization, and Indigenization are authentically embedded across all aspects of CHILD-BRIGHT's work, making a lasting impact on childhood disability research.  

Duties and Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Dr. Dlamini to lead the EDI-DI Program and oversee its staffing and Indigenous advisory council.  

• Champion initiatives that embed EDI-DI principles in all of CHILD-BRIGHT's programs and governance structure.  

• Play a central role in advancing research excellence through health equity using an intersectional approach.  

• Ensure that all EDI-DI activities align with CHILD-BRIGHT's EDI-DI framework.  

Requirements

• Advanced degree in a relevant field, with expertise in equity, diversity, and inclusion.  

• A passion for promoting equity and inclusion in children's health.  

• Proven leadership skills and experience in driving meaningful change.  

• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively.  

• An understanding of children with brain-based developmental disabilities and its intersection with equity.  

How to Apply

We invite Indigenous candidates with a deep commitment to Indigenization, equity, diversity, and inclusion to apply. Join us in co-steering the efforts of the CHILD-BRIGHT EDI-DI Program, making a significant impact on childhood disability research and patient-oriented research. Please send your application by September 15, 2023 to edi-di@child-bright.ca and be a driving force for positive change in children's lives.   

Note: Accommodations are available upon request for all candidates participating in the selection process.  

Join us in creating brighter futures for children and youth with brain-based developmental disabilities and their families  

CHILD-BRIGHT Acknowledgement Statement for PRIDE Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day

In the month of June, we pause to commemorate and acknowledge two important occasions: National Indigenous Peoples Month and PRIDE Month. These days hold great significance in acknowledging and honouring the past and continuing experiences, contributions, and struggles of the Indigenous Peoples and the 2SLBGTQIA+ community. As part of our commitment to redress and reconcile, our Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Decolonization and Indigenization (EDI-DI) Program actively strives to establish and maintain research, network and program environments that are equitable, accessible, and inclusive.

On June 21 we join the nation in honouring National Indigenous Peoples Day. It is a day to recognize and appreciate the rich cultural heritage, wisdom, and resilience of Indigenous Peoples. We acknowledge the historical and ongoing injustices faced by Indigenous communities and affirm our commitment to reconciliation, decolonization, and Indigenization efforts. This is a time to listen, learn, and amplify Indigenous voices, valuing their unique perspectives and knowledge.

As we observe PRIDE Month, we stand in solidarity with the 2SLBGTQIA+ community, celebrating the importance of fostering an inclusive, accepting and welcoming environment for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. We recognize the importance of advocating for their rights and well-being, striving to become better allies each day. This is a time for us to reflect on the progress made and the work that still lies ahead in fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion.

As individuals and as a society, we have a responsibility to create a world that embraces and respects the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, and to honour and uplift the Indigenous Peoples who have stewarded the land for generations. This period serves as a reminder of the ongoing journey toward equity, justice, and understanding.

At CHILD-BRIGHT, we are dedicated to fostering an environment of inclusivity and social justice. We believe that every child and family deserves the opportunity to thrive, free from discrimination and with access to equitable healthcare. Through our EDI-DI Program we aim to contribute to the advancement of research excellence by embracing a health equity approach in patient-oriented research.

During this month of reflection and acknowledgment, let us reaffirm our commitment to creating a world that embraces diversity, supports equity, and champions the rights of Indigenous Peoples and 2SLBGTQIA+ individuals. Together, we can forge a path towards a more inclusive and just society, where every child's potential can be realized.

Azrieli CHILD-BRIGHT Fellowship Program - Third Call

Three new positions available!

In collaboration with the Azrieli Foundation, CHILD-BRIGHT is sending a third call for postdoctoral researchers to work on our implementation science research projects, and to help programs mobilize knowledge to action in support of children with brain-based developmental disabilities and their families. 

We are looking to fill three new positions for the following network teams:

• Fellowship working on the hybrid implementation validation trial of virtual reality assessment and intervention tools for neurodevelopmental and brain-based disorders (Supervising PI: Jennifer Crosbie, SickKids)

• Fellowship dedicated to creating inclusive research environments for health equity (Supervising PI: Nomazulu Dlamini, SickKids)

• Fellowship to support and empower families as they and their baby transition from the NICU to home (Supervising PIs: Julia Orkin and Eyal Cohen, SickKids)

Applications are due by July 15, 2023. 

Do not hesitate to contact pierre.zwiegers@child-bright.ca for further details as necessary, and please take a moment to share this opportunity within your networks to help us find these candidates.