CAN Initiatives

CAN has hosted and is also planning a series of initiatives in the areas of research for which it has established Strategic Research Initiatives. These workshops offer an opportunity for potential partners to learn more about the initiatives and to become involved at an early stage, shaping the direction of the research and obtaining maximum benefit from the partnership.

National Aboriginal Arthritis Research Initiative (NAARI)

CAN launched a second round of the National Aboriginal Arthritis Research Initiative (NAARI II) competition in October 2009. The Initiative is designed to advance innovative community-based and exceptional scientific research partnership projects and relationships with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. Please click here for details of the 2009 NAARI II Competition.

National Aboriginal Arthritis Research Initiative I-2008

OVERVIEW

OVERVIEW

The Canadian Arthritis Network (CAN) has launched an open call for proposals for a new funding opportunity - the National Aboriginal Arthritis Research Initiative. Click here to read the Request for Applications. The Initiative is designed to start innovative community-based and exceptional scientific research partnership projects and relationships with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities.

The purpose of this program is to help establish and develop meaningful and lasting relationships between researchers and First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities to lay the foundation for a possible federally-funded National Aboriginal Arthritis Research Initiative.

Proposals must, in partnership with the aboriginal community:

• further identify/define the problem of arthritis in aboriginal communities;
• build research and care capacity in the First Nations, Inuit and Métis community; and/or
• recognize the importance of the leadership role played by the First Nations, Inuit and Métis community.

Funding available for this initiative is subject to the grant provided by the Networks of Centres of Excellence program to CAN and the terms and conditions that may be attached to those funds. Additionally:

• individual grants will be valued to a maximum of $50,000 for 1 year;
• the total amount presently available for this initiative is $200,000;
• successful applicants must complete a final report upon completion of the project at one year.

FUNDED PROJECTS

2010 NAARI II Pilot Grant

The role of vitamin D and oral health in rheumatoid arthritis

Carol Hitchon, University of Manitoba

Abstract:
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is likely caused by interactions between an environmental trigger(s) and genetic susceptibility. Epidemiologic studies link Vitamin D deficiency to RA possibly thru Vitamin D's role in regulating innate and adaptive immunity or thru associations with poor oral health, also linked to RA. Native American Aboriginals and Mexican Mestizos have severe RA, the former often are vitamin D deficient and have poor oral health. We will determine if vitamin D levels, abnormalities in the Vitamin D receptor gene or oral health are associated with RA in these populations and will explore possible immune mechanisms for these associations.

2010 NAARI II Strategic Grant

Development and pilot testing of a culturally sensitive and family-based self-management program for Aboriginal Peoples with arthritis

Diane Lacaille, University of British Columbia; Arthritis Research Centre of Canada

Abstract:
Canadian Aboriginal people get arthritis more often and more severely than non-Aboriginal people. We know that access to medical care is often sub-optimal. And although we know that Aboriginal communities function best when the community is involved, little is known about strategies that involve the community and families in the management of arthritis. In partnership with seven BC First Nations' communities, this project will develop and pilot test a culturally-sensitive and family-based program to improve the management of arthritis. The results of our research will contribute to a holistic strategy to improve arthritis care in a manner that meets the needs of Aboriginal communities.