IDEA Commitment

CBH Allyship and Reconciliation Statement:

As a pan-Canadian organization, we acknowledge that we operate on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of Indigenous Peoples who have cared for these lands since time immemorial. We honour the enduring presence of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples across Canada and express gratitude for the privilege of living and working here. 

We recognize that our mission serves a diverse and multicultural audience that includes Indigenous Peoples, individuals with disabilities, visible minorities, members of the LGBTQ2AS+ community, French speakers, and caregivers. We acknowledge the persistent effects of colonialism, racism, ableism, and systemic biases on equity-owed and Indigenous individuals, communities, and knowledge systems. 

With respect and reflection on our shared responsibilities, we commit to taking actions to foster understanding, collaboration, and reconciliation. We will continue to listen, learn, and act to achieve meaningful, sustained engagement of equity-owed and Indigenous groups in Bioinformatics activities in Canada.

Our Purpose

At CBH, we want to increase the participation of equity-owed and Indigenous individuals in the bioinformatics, computational biology and data science (BCBDS) research community in Canada. We have the overarching goal to proactively identify and remove barriers limiting access and active participation in BCBDS training and community activities.

Our Vision 

To become a barrier-free ecosystem where graduate trainees and early-career professionals from all backgrounds can thrive and accelerate their goals in BCBDS.

Our Mission 

To create an inviting, inclusive, and accessible ecosystem by proactively identifying, addressing, and removing barriers to participation in BCBDS training, community and professional development activities across Canada. 

CBH IDEA objectives

1. Advance equity, accessibility and inclusion in BCBDS training and community engagement: Attract and engage trainees and ECRs from equity-owed and Indigenous groups through proactive, inclusive design of environments, materials, and delivery methods.
2. Promote sustainable solutions that address systemic barriers limiting the engagement of trainees and ECRs: Prioritize initiatives that recognize and respond to structural challenges in access, representation, and retention across the BCBDS ecosystem.
3. Strengthen IDEA literacy, accountability, and continuous learning: Encourage reflective practices, knowledge sharing, and responsible use of data and evaluation to improve IDEA outcomes over time.
4. Amplify underrepresented voices and support inclusive leadership: Create space for individuals from equity-owed and/or Indigenous groups to lead, mentor, share expertise, and shape the future of the BCBDS community.

IDEA Committee

Our IDEA Committee provides expert guidance on the development and implementation of these principles throughout the platform.