Iiyiyuu Iinuu research governance
A bridge for research in Eeyou Istchee
If you plan to study the land, the waters, the wildlife, or the people of Eeyou Istchee, start here. Aashukin is the Cree Nation’s research governance project: we point researchers to the right review process and help communities keep research accountable to them.
What does Aashukin mean?
A bridge joins two shores without erasing either one. Aashukin bridges Iiyiyuu Iinuu knowledge systems and Western science, connects communities and regional Cree organizations with researchers, and links the research of the past to the work being done today.
What does Naanituuchischayitimuwin aah Kiniwaapitiikinuuch mean?
This descriptive term was proposed by Iiyiyuu Elders and the Advisory Committee to name what Aashukin does. Where “Aashukin” carries the image of a bridge, this longer name describes the organization’s mandates in the Cree language: watching over research in Eeyou Istchee so that it reflects Cree values, priorities, and ways of knowing.
“Research is nothing new to Eeyouch. Eeyouch were conducting research in precolonial times. Eeyouch have their own research methods to observe and make sense of the world (climate, wildlife, waters, etc.).”
Deputy Grand Chief Norman Wapachee — Forum on Research in Eeyou Istchee, Oujé-Bougoumou, March 2024
Three Doors into Research in Eeyou Istchee
Information & Resources for Iiyiyuu Iinuu Research Governance
Who we are, how the review process works, and the documents you need — all in plain language.
Regional Research Portal and Directory
A map-based registry to submit projects and see what research is happening across the territory and a lasting archive of completed research — the institutional memory of Eeyou Istchee.
Training and Orientation for Researchers Working in Eeyou Istchee
Self-paced modules on local protocols, ethics and methods, with a certificate from Aashukin.
“[…] a regional body could help by providing a framework and setting the parameters as what to watch for when we are embarking in a research project. […] We will go beyond allowing research and go towards becoming full collaborators in research. I want to do away with being a fish in a fish tank for researchers to observe and monitor.”
Chief Irene Neeposh, Cree First Nation of Waswanipi — Forum on Research in Eeyou Istchee, Oujé-Bougoumou, March 2024
Who we are
About Aashukin
Aashukin is a research governance structure being developed under the Grand Council of the Crees/Cree Nation Government. It bridges Iiyiyuu Iinuu knowledge systems and Western science, connects communities and regional Cree organizations with researchers, and links the research of the past to the work being done today.
The project started in the summer of 2022, when the Deputy Grand Chief formed a working group on Cree-led research. Between November 2023 and April 2024, that group consulted communities and organizations across Eeyou Istchee. On March 19 and 20, 2024, around sixty people met at the Aanischaaukamikw Cree Cultural Institute in Oujé-Bougoumou for the Forum on Research in Eeyou Istchee. The three mandates that guide Aashukin today came out of those two days.
“Memories of past experiences with external researchers are often very negative, but hopefully these stories can offer lessons to learn from today.”
Janie Pachano — Forum on Research in Eeyou Istchee, Oujé-Bougoumou, March 2024
Before you start
When to Approach Aashukin
Aashukin works directly with researchers and their partners to develop research and data-sharing agreements that reflect an Iiyiyuu Iinuu approach to gathering, managing and sharing knowledge.
Researchers must contact Aashukin before developing a research project if they:
- plan to conduct research on the land, the waters, the wildlife or the people of Eeyou Istchee;
- plan to recruit participants who are Iiyiyuu/Iinuu, whether or not they reside in Eeyou Istchee;
- wish to access the facilities, resources or personnel of Cree communities or regional organizations;
- wish to access data, records or other confidential information held by Cree entities for research purposes.
Researchers should not apply for funding until they have contacted Aashukin and their project has been reviewed.
“Positive experiences with researchers are from projects where Cree knowledge and Cree worldviews are well integrated and Cree contribute to the design and the objectives of the projects.”
James Bobbish — Forum on Research in Eeyou Istchee, Oujé-Bougoumou, March 2024
Get in touch with aashukin naanituuchischayitimuwin aah kiniwaapitiikinuuch
Whether you are a researcher planning a project, a community member with a question, or a partner organization, we would like to hear from you.
Coordinator of Research Ethics and Review
Jedidat Matoush
jedidat.matoush@cngov.ca
Coordinator of Research Systems
Joyce Anna Ottereyes
joyce.ottereyes@cngov.ca
Project Manager
Vincent Gautier-Doucet
v.gautier-doucet@cngov.ca