(2004-03-04) The national health research agencies of Canada, Australia and New Zealand recognise the disparity between the health of their Indigenous peoples and the health of their general populations. They also recognise the desire of Indigenous people for research to be undertaken on terms acceptable to them, in particular the protection of cultural knowledge and values, the participation of Indigenous people in research and research decision-making, and the promotion of Indigenous research by Indigenous researchers. The governments and health research agencies have conducted and supported health research exploring diverse issues and challenges related to improving the health of Indigenous populations. While many of the challenges facing health of Indigenous populations are common to all three countries, this agreement acknowledges the need to respond to health development priorities within each jurisdiction. Cooperation between governments, institutions, researchers and Indigenous peoples will facilitate a better understanding of factors that both determine and ultimately improve the health of Indigenous populations in all three countries, thus contributing to the global pool of knowledge in the area.

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia (NHMRC) and the Health Research Council of New Zealand (HRC) agree to undertake a trilateral partnership collaboration to support research in the area of Indigenous people's health with the goal of improving the health of Indigenous peoples in these three countries.

The partners agree to promote (multi-disciplinary, multi-institutional, and multi-sectoral) collaborations between the health research agencies of Canada, Australia and New Zealand. This partnership will build upon existing networks of researchers to further develop research of Indigenous people's health in areas of mutually shared priorities. Outcomes will include (but are not limited to):

Enabling information sharing in the international research community concerning

• innovative and best practices in research methodology,
• development of innovative partnerships in research,
• ethical conduct in research,
• community ownership, engagement and involvement in research,
• effective transfer and sustainability of research outcomes, and
• building and consolidating research capacity and expertise through training and experience.

Enabling direct links between researchers and organisations for the development of collaborative research programs.

Enabling international exchange programs for

• researchers and research students involved in Indigenous people's health,
• research agency representatives, and
• health professionals.

Enabling links, skills development and information sharing between parties responsible for evidence-based guidelines, policy, service delivery and community information and capacity building in Indigenous health.

Facilitating the development of strategic research priorities in Indigenous health through participation in international forums and in teams of investigators.

International participation in peer review processes.

The partners agree to convene at least once a year to discuss shared priorities in health research involving Indigenous peoples and communities to develop joint strategies in areas of mutual concern. Specific strategies to address the enabling intent of this agreement will be attached from time to time.

This agreement is valid for a period of 5 years from the date of signature (2001-2006) and is subject to evaluation by all parties. At a later stage, other countries may be invited to join this cooperation agreement.