On May 26th, 2024, the Government of Canada announced that the Canadian Mountain Network (CMN) has been awarded $30.4 million over five years from the Strategic Science Fund (SSF) to transition to Braiding Knowledges Canada (BKC).
Braiding Knowledges Canada advances Reconciliation Through Research by enhancing the influence of self-determined, place-based, and co-produced knowledge within Canada’s science culture such that, over time and on a path towards reconciliation, Indigenous and local knowledge approaches equitably contribute to public policy, decision-making, and the advancement of federal science priorities.
CMN is among the top 10 organizations receiving the highest funding awards from the SSF competition and a significant increase from the funding levels received as a Network of Centres of Excellence. This gives testament to the important and significant work of CMN as it transitions to BKC.
The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, and the Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health, announced over $800 million in SSF funding to 24 organizations. These organizations span diverse fields such as healthcare solutions, Indigenous research, climate change, Arctic science, quantum computing, AI, STEM education, and post-secondary training. These investments are critical to Canada's research landscape, fostering economic strength and developing future leaders in science and research.
The rebranding of CMN to BKC will help advance Reconciliation through Research and contribute to several of Canada’s cross-cutting policy priorities. These include advancing reconciliation through concrete action on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and supporting the implementation of the United Nations (UN) Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, as well as the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
“Science and research are the cornerstones of Canada’s economic well-being and progress. Canada’s researchers work to expand our understanding of the world, and they generate new ideas to solve some of the biggest challenges of our time. With this investment through the Strategic Science Fund, our government is continuing its support for world-class, cutting-edge research and for those who work to inspire and train the next generation.”
– The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
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