preferences of patients and their caregivers. Can-SOLVE CKD has a direct reporting relationship to the KFOC (Figure 2). CSN The professional body representing over 600 nephrologists, kidney scientists, clinical and research trainees, and allied health professionals in Canada, co-hosts its annual meeting with the Canadian Association of Nephrology Administrators (administrative leads within provincial kidney care programs) ensuring ongoing links with provincial kidney care administrators (see below). KFOC has partnered with CSN on several important initiatives, including the KRESCENT program. Provincial kidney care programs While structures differ by province, these organizations fund or advise on care for all patients with advanced CKD in Canada. Indigenous peoples’ organizations The team has partnered with several organizations at the national and provincial levels that address Indigenous health issues. These partners will be critical in ensuring research implementation and eventual scale-up where appropriate. Indigenous peoples’ groups (eg, the Indigenous Peoples’ Health Research Centre and the Centre for Aboriginal Health Education), in conjunction with IPERC, will continue to inform the research agenda, and engage patients in research and translation of our findings to clinical care. Note. Can-SOLVE CKD = Canadians Seeking Solutions and Innovations to Overcome Chronic Kidney Disease; KFOC = Kidney Foundation of Canada; CKD = chronic kidney disease; CSN = Canadian Society of Nephrology; IPERC = Indigenous Peoples’ Engagement & Research Council. Levin et al 9 tools aimed at patients and providers as well as a broad range of implementation strategies.40,41 Governance As a patient-oriented research network, Can-SOLVE CKD comprises several committees and councils. The organizational structure is developed around patients, as depicted in Figure 2, including both the Patient Council and the Indigenous Peoples’ Engagement & Research Council (IPERC). At least 2 patients serve on all Can-SOLVE CKD committees, thus enabling bidirectional communication between committees, the Patient Council and IPERC. The Patient Council is the core and the heart of CanSOLVE CKD. The Council is co-chaired by 3 patients with unique lived experience of CKD (Table 5). Membership Figure 2. Can-SOLVE CKD organizational chart. Note. Can-SOLVE CKD = Canadians Seeking Solutions and Innovations to Overcome Chronic Kidney Disease; CKD = chronic kidney disease. 10 Canadian Journal of Kidney Health and Disease includes a broad range of patients affected by a representative mix of medical conditions (eg, diabetes, heart disease, polycystic kidney disease) as well as caregivers and kidney donors. Representation is diversified in terms of age, sex, geography, and ethnic and cultural background. IPERC serves to guide the conduct of the network’s activities in accounting for the unique aspects of patient-oriented research involving First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people. Using an ethical framework that encompasses the principles of ownership, control, access, and possession, IPERC’s mandate is to ensure that Can-SOLVE CKD appropriately incorporates, addresses, and respects the unique needs and perspectives of Indigenous peoples. All committees report to the Steering Committee through the respective committee co-chairs. The Steering Committee is ultimately accountable to the Board of Directors of the Table 5. Can-SOLVE CKD Patient Council Co-chairs. Kate Chong I was born and raised in southern Alberta but have called Metro Vancouver home for the past eight years. I have worked for the PNE in a few roles over these past eight years; currently I am their Manager of Community Relations. My involvement in the community doesn’t stop with my job but also into my personal life through volunteer work. The past four years, I have been involved with the Kidney Foundation of BC through events, speaking engagements, research committees and workshops. I am a kidney patient with chronic kidney disease. I was diagnosed four and half years ago at the age of 25 with IgA Nephropathy and was functioning at 13%. I have been able to avoid dialysis and have been able to build back my function to 30-32%. I have been fortunate compared to so many, as it is not often can you improve your function. Most days I feel like a “normal” person, but there are days that I am reminded I live with this disease. I am starting to see other side effects popping up. I know there is a possibility I will decline, but I want to be able to find ways that this can be prolonged and subsequently have a higher quality of life. Finding ways to diagnose patients earlier and to delay progression are important to me. This is one of the reasons why I got involved in the Can-SOLVE CKD initiative. Research is how we are going to move forward, find solutions and make a change. The involvement of patients has been placed front and centre in the Can-SOLVE CKD Network, engaging us in discussions, workshops and reviewing each step along the way. My personal experience will help those who work in the field of research to understand the importance of this research and what areas are important to patients, which in the end will provide better quality of life to those living with chronic kidney disease. The experience of being able to help in research is quite rewarding, as you are