Mitacs and Braiding Knowledges Canada partner to advance reconciliation through research and training

Collaboration builds on a shared commitment to strengthening research capacity, supporting Indigenous self-determination, and creating lasting social, environmental, and economic benefits

October 21, 2026 – Vancouver, BC —

Mitacs and Braiding Knowledges Canada (BKC) are partnering to support research training opportunities for post-secondary students and postdoctoral fellows to work alongside Indigenous communities, Knowledge Keepers, researchers, and organizations. Projects will span a range of community-driven initiatives focused on conservation, restoration, adaptation, and well-being.  

Through the training program, college, undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students, as well as postdoctoral fellows will gain experience in place-based, community-led research that braids together Indigenous and Western knowledge systems through respectful, reciprocal collaboration.  

The partnership will connect participants with Indigenous-led and co-led research initiatives across Canada, spanning areas such as environmental monitoring, biodiversity conservation, climate change adaptation, community-based research, wildlife management, Indigenous governance, and sustainable development. Participants will engage in hands-on learning opportunities while contributing to community priorities and building skills in ethical engagement, interdisciplinary research, and knowledge mobilization. 

In addition to project-based placements, students will participate in coordinated learning opportunities, including Braiding Knowledges Canada’s annual Knowledge Gathering, Indigenous Engagement and Partnership Development training. They will also join a national trainee webinar network designed to foster peer learning, mentorship, and professional growth.  

Through engagement with Mitacs and the Government of Canada, including Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), Braiding Knowledges Canada played a critical role in advocating for Indigenous governments to be formally recognized as eligible partners in Mitacs programs. BKC identified this as an important barrier to Indigenous-led research and strongly advocated for inclusion, helping to advance eligibility to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis governments. This change creates new opportunities for Indigenous governments to provide partner support to research and training trainees.  

Quotes

“Canada’s future depends on bringing together diverse perspectives, knowledge systems, and ways of knowing. Through partnership with Braiding Knowledges Canada, students and postdoctoral fellows will work alongside Indigenous communities, Knowledge Keepers, researchers, and organizations to advance community-driven research and training, nurturing a generation of leaders who can respectfully braid Indigenous and Western knowledge.“ 

Dr. Stephen Lucas, CEO, Mitacs

“Braiding Knowledges Canada is committed to advancing Indigenous-led and place-based approaches that strengthen conservation, restoration, adaptation, and well-being. Now that Indigenous governments are eligible, all our partners can benefit from our collaboration with Mitacs.  Together, we will help trainees, researchers and leaders effectively braid Indigenous and Western knowledge systems in support of community priorities.” 

Dr. Monique Dubé, Executive Director, Braiding Knowledges Canada

About Mitacs

Mitacs delivers the return on innovation Canada needs now by connecting big ideas, people, and ambition to turn potential into results. Through our co-funded innovation partnerships, we get Canada’s businesses and researchers where they need to go.

Mitacs partners innovate faster. Commercialize sooner. Compete globally. Scale and grow stronger. We open the door to opportunity, creating jobs and equipping students and postdoctoral researchers with skills, industry experience, and professional networks.

Mitacs is funded by the Government of Canada, the Government of Alberta, the Government of British Columbia, Research Manitoba, the Government of New Brunswick, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Government of Nova Scotia, the Government of Ontario, Innovation PEI, the Government of Quebec, the Government of Saskatchewan, and the Government of Yukon.

About Braiding Knowledges Canada

Braiding Knowledges Canada is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing reconciliation through research. Supported by the Government of Canada’s Strategic Science Fund, Braiding Knowledges Canada works with Indigenous communities, researchers, governments, and organizations to enhance the influence of self-determined, place-based, and co-produced knowledge in science, policy, and decision-making. Through research, training, and knowledge mobilization initiatives, Braiding Knowledges Canada supports conservation, restoration, adaptation, and well-being while strengthening capacity in knowledge braiding across generations, communities, and disciplines.