Advancing the inclusion and recognition of Indigenous science at the CFIA

June 2024 | Canadian Food Inspection Agency | by Michael Reid

My name is Mike Reid and I am a proud L’nu Mi'kmaq. I embarked on my career with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) back in 2009 as a laboratory technician at the (former) St. John's Laboratory in Newfoundland. Drawn to new opportunities, I transferred to Ottawa in 2011 and joined the Ottawa Laboratory (Carling), where I focused on food diagnostic testing.

In 2015, I transitioned to a role in Human Resources, taking on a fresh challenge. There, I was responsible for spearheading Indigenous initiatives with the hope of making a tangible impact for current and future employees. I had the privilege of contributing to programs such as the Indigenous Summer Student Program and the Indigenous Career Management for Employees Program. Additionally, I co-chaired the National Indigenous Advisory Circle, where I played an integral role in shaping policies and strategies to support Indigenous employees within the Agency.

Establishing the Indigenous Science Office

In the summer of 2023, the CFIA created the Indigenous Science Office. This new office within Science Branch aims to coordinate and support efforts to strengthen the inclusion and recognition of Indigenous science perspectives, values and practices at the CFIA. My previous experiences at the Agency laid the foundation for a pivotal moment in my career when I gratefully accepted the role of National Manager for the Indigenous Science Office.

Since its creation, the Indigenous Science Office has achieved many significant milestones, including the launch of a new Indigenous Reconciliation Working Group. I am excited to also be one of the Working Group’s co-Chairs and help to bring together staff from across the CFIA working on projects and initiatives that involve engagement and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.

Our vision for the Indigenous Science Office is to enhance the recognition of Indigenous science through reconciliation efforts at the CFIA by weaving and braiding connections between both Western and Indigenous science-based Ways of Knowing (systems of knowledge). Through increased guidance and training on cultural safety and awareness when working with Indigenous Peoples on science-based initiatives, the Indigenous Science Office can support the decision-making of professionals at the CFIA by aligning our mandate with Indigenous science perspectives, values and practices.

Inspiration from the I-STEM Cluster

Many collaborators across the Government of Canada (and beyond) influenced the creation of the Indigenous Science Office at the CFIA. This includes the members of the Interdepartmental Indigenous Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (I-STEM) Cluster.

In July 2019, the Deputy Ministers Task Force on Indigenous Reconciliation recommended that departments work together in clusters to reduce duplication, break down silos and enhance effectiveness while co-developing solutions with Indigenous partners. A more coordinated approach would help to address the interrelated priorities of Indigenous Peoples while reducing consultation fatigue.

As a result, the I-STEM Cluster launched in December 2019. Dr. Emily McAuley, an Anishinaabe Research Director with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, now leads the I-STEM Cluster, which has grown to 15 member departments. The I-STEM Cluster approaches its work by:

  • sharing existing information on good practices and emerging initiatives
  • working together to accelerate and improve efficiencies, practices, processes and products
  • piloting approaches to inform larger-scale efforts of member departments

Indigenous approaches to environmental stewardship are grounded in distinct knowledge systems, methodologies and technologies. I-STEM members can work together to foster long-term relationships with Indigenous partners that support these distinct approaches to stewardship and innovation while advancing the environmental, cultural and socio-economic goals of Indigenous Peoples in a collaborative and reciprocal way.

In February 2023, the CFIA signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) to become a member of the I-STEM Cluster. Soon after, the CFIA created the Indigenous Science Office. I have the privilege of also being the CFIA’s liaison to the I-STEM Cluster, where I am dedicated to helping the CFIA forge collaborative partnerships and fostering understanding between federal STEM departments and Indigenous Peoples.

It has been extremely rewarding to play a role in advancing Indigenous science and reconciliation at the CFIA, including through the creation of the Indigenous Science Office and the Indigenous Reconciliation Working Group, and through our participation in I-STEM. Through dialogue, sharing best practices and collaboration, the Indigenous Science Office will create a more inclusive relationship between Indigenous Peoples and the CFIA. Incorporating Indigenous science and knowledge systems honors traditions and enriches our work with fresh perspectives and innovative solutions. We are committed to valuing Indigenous voices in shaping our future work.

Drivers for change

Government of Canada commitments and obligations to advance reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples in Canada help to guide the work of the Indigenous Science Office. Learn more about these drivers for change:

More information

For more information, contact the Indigenous Science Office at indigenous.science-science.autochtone@inspection.gc.ca.

 
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