May 20, 2025

On this International Clinical Trials Day, we come together to acknowledge and celebrate the transformative strides made in Indigenous-led clinical research. This collaborative effort between the First Nations Health and Social Secretariat of Manitoba (FNHSSM) and the Indigenous Clinical Trials Unit (ICTU) underscores our shared commitment to advancing health equity through inclusive and culturally grounded research practices.

Elevating Indigenous Voices in Clinical Trials

The ACT Indigenous Health Committee, established in May 2023, aims to enhance the involvement of Indigenous Peoples in clinical trials by identifying health priorities and interventions for evaluation. Recognizing the historical and ongoing exclusion, and the complex legacies of colonialism, the committee emphasizes the importance of Indigenous sovereignty and self-determination in health research .

Guidance from the Grandmother's Council

Central to this initiative is the Grandmother's Council, a body deeply rooted in distinctions-based Indigenous traditions and values. The Grandmothers provide invaluable guidance on protocols, integrating Traditional Knowledge and practices into clinical trial research to enhance the health and well-being of Indigenous Peoples.

Developing Engagement Guidelines

The ACT Indigenous component is also focused on creating a distinctions-based Indigenous Clinical Trial Engagement Framework. This framework aims to ensure safe and respectful engagement with Indigenous communities, moving away from a pan-Indigenous approach and recognizing the unique needs and priorities of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.

Collaborative Efforts

FNHSSM Research: Serves 63 First Nations in Manitoba, leading innovative health research that supports the wellbeing of First Nations communities grounded in First Nations data sovereignty and self-determination.

University of Alberta's CTO: Serves as the secretariat for University of Alberta Clinical Trials (UACT), supporting diverse clinical trials with a focus on inclusivity and innovation. The CTO also houses the Indigenous Clinical Trials Unit (ICTU), the first of its kind in Canada, empowering Indigenous-led clinical research .

Indigenous Clinical Trials Unit (ICTU): Enables and uplifts Indigenous-designed and implemented clinical trial research, addressing the unique health needs of Indigenous communities and promoting sovereignty and self-determination in health research innovation.

Hear From the Director of the ICTU, Dr. Tibetha Kemble (Stonechild) on Incorporating Indigenous Knowledges and Worldviews into Clinical Research

Dr. Tibetha Kemble is an assistant lecturer, project lead for the Indigenous Accelerating Clinical Trials at the University of Alberta, and director of the ICTU. 

Watch the trailer for Dr. Kemble's interview above and learn more about incorporating indigenous epistemologies into clinical research, design of trials by, with, and for excluded populations and pathways of opportunity for Indigenous peoples in clinical research. 

The full interview can be viewed here. 

Looking Ahead

As we honour the foundations laid by past clinical trials, we also look forward to a future where Indigenous leadership and perspectives are integral to health research. Through continued collaboration and respect for Indigenous knowledge systems, we aim to create a more equitable and inclusive landscape for clinical trials in Canada.

Why Do We Celebrate International Clinical Trials Day?

We celebrate Clinical Trials Day on May 20, in recognition of what is 
often considered the start of the first randomized clinical trial. In 1747, James Lind began a clinical trial on this day to study the effects of different remedies for scurvy among sailors at sea.

On this day, we honour the legacy of research that saves lives, advances care, and improves health for communities here in Alberta and around the world.

It's a day to thank those involved in clinical research, from researchers and investigators to patients and study participants

On behalf of University of Alberta Clinical Trials (UACT), we extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who makes clinical research possible.
To our dedicated investigators, research teams, institutional collaborators, and industry partners—your commitment drives discovery and improves care. Most importantly, we acknowledge the individuals who volunteer to participate in clinical trials. Your contributions are the foundation of every advancement in health.

Today, we celebrate you—and the impact we make together.