Reconciliation Network in Response to Call to Action 65

Decorative image of the Thames River in London Ontario, surrounded by trees and a blue sky.In response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) Call to Action 65, the Reconciliation Network in Response to Call to Action 65 opportunity is a joint initiative between the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) and SSHRC. This unique opportunity supports establishment of a national research program with multiyear funding to advance collective understanding of reconciliation.  This is a partnership opportunity, supporting new or existing formal partnerships which include one or more partner organizations. Partnerships are formalized through mutual co-operation and sharing of intellectual leadership, as well as through resources as shown by cash and/or in-kind contributions.

SSHRC and the NCTR invite teams led by First Nations, Métis Nation or Inuit researchers to submit proposals for new or existing formal partnerships that contribute to our collective understanding of truth and reconciliation. The NCTR and SSHRC recognize the experience of northern Inuit communities and encourage Inuit-led teams to submit proposals focusing on the realities of the Inuit Nunangat.

Grants will provide support for partnerships over five years, from $7K to $1M, to advance research, research training and knowledge mobilization in the social sciences and humanities. Proposals can involve any disciplines, thematic areas, approaches or subject areas eligible for SSHRC funding.

As part of the Reconciliation Network, the teams funded under this initiative will participate in coordination activities managed by the NCTR in its role as coordination hub for the network. Teams will participate in:

  • Regular dialogue  and networking among projects, under the guidance of the Reconciliation Network Coordination Hub;
  • Knowledge mobilization activities, which may include podcasts, conference panels, etc;
  • Any conferences organized by the Reconciliation Network Coordination Hub, which may also result in publication of public reports exploring or highlighting research achievements; and
  • Activities to support the success of the network and the promotion of interactions between teams.

In their proposals, applicants should integrate the NCTR coordination hub into their knowledge mobilization plans, and discuss how they will work with the NCTR in their project (i.e., what resources you will need). For example, knowledge mobilization plans should include participation in network meetings and discussions with the hub knowledge mobilization coordinator. Each project is expected to propose and include a budget request for one knowledge mobilization activity for the entire network. The NCTR will make its resources available to the network teams.

Project Teams and Partners

Proposals will be led by a Project Director and may include one or more Co-Directors and will include partner organizations which may or may not be the host institution (Western University). Applicants are invited to consult the NCTR’s list of partner organizations to expand their collaborations. Partner organizations can be Canadian or international institutions or organizations (public, private, not-for-profit) of any type. Indigenous organizations, Indigenous governments and Indigenous not-for-profit organizations are all welcome to partner. Although partner organizations are normally expected to support the activities of the partnership through cash and/or in-kind contributions, in an effort to alleviate barriers to all communities’ participation, partners unable to provide cash and/or in-kind contributions may explain alternative support in their letters. This support can include social capital—an asset that may emphasize social and familial relationships and networks and may affect the cost of research—and/or linguistic capital, such as the ability to engage in the community using its ancestral language(s) and a national language of Canada.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

All applicants to SSHRC opportunities are encouraged to consider equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in both research practice (EDI-RP) and research design (EDI-RD). The NCTR and SSHRC encourage projects to use GBA+.

Refer to SSHRC’s Guide to Addressing Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Considerations in Partnership Grant Applications.

Supports at Western

The Knowledge Exchange, Research Impact and Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Decolonization in Research team is available to provide consultations, connect scholars to resources, and undertake grant application reviews applying a knowledge exchange, research impact, and EDID lens. For support from this team, please connect with:

Please refer to the SSHRC Webinar Slides (February 2023 presentation) and SSHRC program page for complete details. Webinar slides include instructions on how to start and complete an application in the Convergence portal and 

Value and Duration

  • $7,000 to $1 million
  •  5 years (valued at up to $200,000 annually over five years)

Eligibility

  • This funding opportunity is open to First Nations, Métis Nation and Inuit researchers affiliated with an eligible Canadian institution (university, college, not-for-profit organization) at the time of application. First Nations, Métis Nation or Inuit researchers who maintain an affiliation with a Canadian postsecondary institution, but whose primary affiliation is with a non-Canadian postsecondary institution, are not eligible for applicant status.
  • Proposals can involve any disciplines, thematic areas, approaches or subject areas eligible for SSHRC funding. See subject matter eligibility for more information.
  • Projects whose primary objective is curriculum development, program evaluation, preparation of teaching materials, organization of a conference or workshop, digitization of a collection, or creation of a database are not eligible for funding under this funding opportunity.
  • Partner organizations can be Canadian or international institutions or organizations (public, private, not-for-profit) of any type. Indigenous organizations, Indigenous governments and Indigenous not-for-profit organizations are all welcome to partner.
  • For full eligibility information, consult the program guidelines and instructions.

Submission Process & Important Dates

  • Applications for this opportunity are submitted through the Convergence Portal. Applicants are encouraged to login and start their applications as soon as possible. This is a one stage application. Partner organizations are required to provide a letter of support. Partner organization information is entered, and letters are uploaded by the applicant via the Convergence portal. Requesting and obtaining letters of support can take time and applicants are strongly encouraged to being this process as early as possible.
  • Proposals may or may not include the host institution, Western University, as a partner organization, or organizational units within the university (e.g., a department or Faculty) as a partner organization. If Western is to be a partner organization, please contact Elizabeth Russell Minda, Institutional Research Programs Officer to facilitate the letter process and obtain the appropriate institutional signature (Vice President, Research) on the letter.
  • For Western researchers participating on applications elsewhere (inter-institutional): If a letter of support is requested from Western University (Western will be an invited partner institution) a ROLA proposal is required. Please contact Elizabeth Russell Minda, Institutional Research Programs Officer to facilitate the letter process. If no letter is required, please notify our office of your participation (no approvals are required).

Important Dates

DEADLINE
March 2023
  • Notify the Office of Research Services (ORS) contacts as soon as possible of your intent to apply. This will help to ensure we can provide the proper resources and guidance for your application. Contacts for this program are listed below.
April 17, 2023

  • Letters of Support: If Western is to be a partner on the application, a final draft institutional letter of support must be submitted to ORS for review and signature by the Vice President (Research) and with relevant Department/Faculty approvals.

    *Inter-institutional applicants (Western co-applicants on other institution’s application): Draft institutional letters of support must be submitted to Western Research by this date for review and institutional approval/signature (with relevant Department and Faculty approvals). 
May 1, 2023
  • PI (Project Director) submits draft application (via Convergence portal) for optional detailed review.
May 8, 2023
May 10, 2023
  • PI submits final application to Convergence portal for ORS review.
May 15, 2023 (8:00pm EST)
  • Sponsor deadline: Electronic submission of application to SSHRC by Western Research IRPO.

Resources

Contact

Questions about this opportunity should be directed to: Katie Big-Canoe, Indigenous Research Officer and Elizabeth Russell-Minda, Institutional Research Programs Officer.