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Indigenous-led research for safer workplaces.
We are a national research organization advancing occupational health and safety knowledge for Indigenous workers and their communities.
Built to address a gap in workplace health and safety research.
For too long, occupational health and safety research has not fully reflected the experiences, realities, and priorities of Indigenous workers. Without that knowledge, workplaces, governments, and safety systems are left with an incomplete understanding of the challenges Indigenous workers face.
The National Indigenous Research Council for OH&S was created to change that. As an Indigenous-led national research organization, we creates the knowledge needed to better understand workplace health and safety through research shaped by community priorities, Indigenous perspectives, and long-term relationships.
Our work begins where meaningful change often begins: by listening, learning, and building knowledge that can support safer futures.
Creating knowledge that strengthens Indigenous workplace health and safety.
We conduct research that helps identify workplace health and safety needs, understand worker experiences, and support stronger prevention efforts for Indigenous communities.
Our mission is to build a national foundation of Indigenous-led occupational health and safety research that can guide better decisions, support community priorities, and contribute to safer workplaces for generations to come.
Guided by respect, reciprocity, responsibility, and relationships.
Our work is grounded in values that reflect both research responsibility and Indigenous ways of knowing. These values shape how we build relationships, gather knowledge, protect information, and return findings to the communities involved.
Research begins with Respect.
We honour the knowledge, priorities, and lived experiences of Indigenous workers and communities. Respect guides how we listen, how we ask questions, and how we carry the knowledge shared with us.
Knowledge must return value.
Research should benefit the communities that make it possible. We work to ensure findings are shared back in meaningful ways that support understanding, decision-making, and safer workplaces.
Research carries responsibility.
We recognize the trust involved in gathering community knowledge. Our work is guided by careful research practices, clear consent, and a responsibility to protect the information shared with us.
Strong research is built through relationships.
We work through long-term relationships grounded in trust, transparency, and shared purpose. Research moves forward when communities are active partners in shaping the work.
Indigenous knowledge belongs with Indigenous communities.
Our work follows research principles that protect community knowledge, uphold consent, and support Indigenous data sovereignty. It is guided by OCAP® principles, which recognize community rights to ownership, control, access, and possession of data.
These principles shape every stage of the research process, from early conversations to research agreements, data collection, analysis, and knowledge sharing. Communities must understand how information will be used, how it will be protected, and how findings will return to them.
A founding partner in Indigenous worker advocacy.
NIRCOHS is one of the Founding Father Organizations behind the Confederation of Indigenous Workers, helping establish a national foundation for Indigenous-led worker advocacy. This relationship reflects a shared purpose: strengthening the systems, knowledge, and representation needed to better support Indigenous workers.
Toby Desnomie brings vision to Indigenous research.
Toby Desnomie (Kanahahchapiw First Nation) has worked with Indigenous communities for more than 25 years as a safety professional, instructor, manager, and advocate. Throughout his career, he has supported Indigenous organizations in strengthening workplace health and safety through practical leadership, education, and community-driven approaches.
As Founder and CEO of the Indigenous Centre for Occupational Health & Public Safety, and through his leadership roles across several Indigenous organizations, Toby has championed Indigenous-led solutions that support safer workplaces and stronger communities. His work continues to advance the belief that Indigenous peoples should lead the research, knowledge, and systems that shape their future.
Meet the team.
Our work is guided by leaders, researchers, and partners with experience across Indigenous governance, occupational health and safety, worker advocacy, and community-based research. Together, they bring the knowledge, relationships, and responsibility needed to advance Indigenous-led OH&S research.
Longtime Indigenous advocate with over 20 years of experience supporting First Nations workers and building safer communities.
Founder & CEO, Indigenous Center for Occupational Health & Public Safety
Hereditary Ogihtcita Okimaw, Kahahachapiw Nation, Treaty 4 1874
Founding Kihei Okimaw, Confederation of Indigenous Workers
Board of Directors Chairman, National Indigenous Research Council
Board of Directors Chairman, Indigenous Workers Compensation Board
Board of Directors Chairman, Canadian Association for Research on Work and Health
Elder and Board Member at NIRCOHS, bringing valuable experience and guidance from his work with the Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region.
Associate Professor, Occupational Therapist, and researcher specializing in occupational health, rehabilitation and workplace safety, with extensive experience bridging research and real-world practice.
Clinical psychologist and researcher specializing in workplace mental health, with a focus on improving the wellbeing of healthcare workers.
Consultant specializing in financial management, business analysis and economic development, with a focus on supporting sustainable growth and prosperity in Indigenous communities.
Stay connected.
Follow our latest research findings, community partnerships, and organizational milestones as we advance occupational health and safety for Indigenous workers across Canada. This is where we share the work that matters.
Are you an Indigenous, Inuit, or Métis worker?
All indigenous workers in Canada are invited to join the National Committee on Indigenous Labour. Stay up to date on workers’ rights and contribute your experience to our research.
