CoVaRR-Net Researchers

Kimberly Huyser, University of British Columbia, Pillar 7 & Project Lead

Katie Collins, University of Saskatchewan, Pillar 7 Deputy
Michelle Johnson-Jennings, University of Washington, Pillar 7 Deputy

Lay Summary

Indigenous Peoples in Canada and the United States have been disproportionally affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Evidence suggests that Indigenous persons are more likely to contract SARS-CoV-2 and experience hospitalization than other racial and ethnic groups. That said, the impact of variants of concern (VOCs) is continually evolving. There is a need to understand the social factors that influence both the spread and prevention of the virus in Indigenous communities. It is also critical to hear Indigenous voices, perspectives, and experiences of the pandemic and understand the responses of Indigenous Peoples to the pandemic.

This project, led by CoVaRR-Net’s Pillar 7: COVID-19 Variants of Concern (VOCs) Indigenous Engagement, Development, and Research (CIEDAR), begins to fill this knowledge gap. We are:

  • Investigating the social factors that may protect Indigenous populations – or increase their vulnerability to – COVID-19 and VOCs;
  • Curating data to understand Indigenous experiences and views of the pandemic through secondary data analysis and community-based research; and
  • Understanding Indigenous experiences and views on COVID-19, VOCs, and new health monitoring tools, and identifying areas of concern for Indigenous Peoples in Canada.

Total Budget

CoVaRR-Net: $200,000 cash contribution