AASHUKIN ᐋᔓᑭᓐ was chosen as the name because it means bridge — and that is exactly what the organization is meant to be.
A bridge Between knowledge systems
Aashukin bridges Iiyiyuu Iinuu knowledge and Western science, so research in Eeyou Istchee can draw on both — without erasing either.
A bridge Between people
It connects Cree communities and organizations with researchers from outside Eeyou Istchee, building respectful and accountable partnerships.
A bridge Between past and future
It links the research of the past to the work being done today, so its lessons carry into the next generation of research.
Much already exists across the Cree Nation — community protocols, organizational research policies, local research institutions — and Aashukin’s role is to connect and support these, not to replace them, while filling the gaps in research governance that no single organization can close alone.
Our story
From the Cree Nation Research Institute project to Aashukin
Research has long been part of life in Eeyou Istchee, contributing to decision-making, cultural preservation and economic development — but historically, research initiatives in the territory have lacked Cree oversight. Recognizing this gap, the Deputy Grand Chief formed a Working Group in the summer of 2022 to lay the groundwork for what was then called the Cree Nation Research Institute (CNRI), with the aim of empowering the Cree Nation through research.
Between November 2023 and April 2024, the Working Group, with the support of the Cree Nation Government, held pre-consultation meetings with 20 Cree First Nations, organizations and institutions — 52 participants in all — on their experiences managing research, engaging with researchers, and the regional support they envisioned. Everything gathered was brought to the Forum on Research in Eeyou Istchee, held March 19–20, 2024, at the Aanischaaukamikw Cree Cultural Institute in Oujé-Bougoumou, where some 65 participants — with keynote speakers including two Cree Elders and a Cree Ph.D. student — discussed and validated three proposed mandates for the future organization.
In November 2024, the Advisory Committee formally adopted the three mandates and selected the ten organizations that now form the Steering Committee. The project also set aside the word “institute”, which for many evoked institutionalization and residential schools, and took the name proposed with the guidance of Iiyiyuu Elders: Aashukin — “bridge” — Naanituuchischayitimuwin aah Kiniwaapitiikinuuch, “Research and Oversight”.
Milestones
The Path to Aashukin Naanituuchischayitimuwin Aah Kiniwaaptiikinuuch
Aashukin is building an Iiyiyuu Iinuu-led system for research governance in Eeyou Istchee, connecting communities, regional organizations, researchers and knowledge holders through shared principles, review processes, data governance and capacity building.
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Before 2022 First iterations
The need for a regional body dedicated to Iiyiyuu Iinuu research governance predates Aashukin by decades. Around 2010, an earlier initiative emerged from Waswanipi through the proposed Cree Research Development Institute, reflecting longstanding efforts to create a regional structure that could advance and protect the research interests of the Iiyiyuu Iinuu Nation.
Early foundations
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Summer 2022 The initiative begins
The Cree Nation Government begins exploring the creation of an Iiyiyuu Iinuu-led regional structure to better coordinate, review and guide research taking place in Eeyou Istchee.
Foundation
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November 2023 Dedicated project development begins
A project manager is hired to lead consultations, document existing research processes and work with Iiyiyuu Iinuu communities and regional organizations to develop the initiative.
Project development
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March 19–20, 2024 Forum on Research in Eeyou Istchee
Approximately 65 representatives gather at Aanischaaukamikw in Oujé-Bougoumou to discuss research priorities, challenges and the need for stronger Iiyiyuu Iinuu oversight of research.
Regional forum
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November 27–28, 2024 The three mandates are adopted
The first meeting of the Aashukin Advisory Committee confirms three mandates: research review, data governance and access and regional research capacity building. A Steering Committee is also established.
Mandates adopted
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January–June 2025 Tour of Iiyiyuu Iinuu councils and boards
The project is presented to Iiyiyuu Iinuu communities and regional organizations across Eeyou Istchee. Their experience and recommendations help shape the proposed governance structure, priorities and implementation model.
Engagement
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August 13–14, 2025 Iiyiyuu Iinuu Research Principles
The Advisory Committee adopts a draft set of regional research principles describing how research should benefit Iiyiyuuch and Iinuuch, respect the land and Iiyiyuu Iinuu knowledge systems and protect collective Iiyiyuu Iinuu knowledge.
Principles adopted
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September 2025 Focus shifts toward implementation
Aashukin moves forward within the Cree Nation Government and prioritizes the creation of a practical regional research review process that can begin serving Iiyiyuu Iinuu communities and organizations.
Strategic direction
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Early 2026 Governance and operational tools developed
Terms of Reference, review procedures, recommendation categories, honoraria, meeting cycles and secretariat responsibilities are developed for the proposed Iiyiyuu Research Review Panel.
System design
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April 2026 The Aashukin team expands
Jedidat Matoush joins the project full-time, increasing Aashukin’s capacity to develop the research review process, relationships, resources and training activities.
Team growth
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June–July 2026 Communities invited to appoint representatives
Iiyiyuu Iinuu communities are invited to designate representatives to the Iiyiyuu Research Review Panel. The proposed panel will bring community experience and specialized expertise into regional research review.
In progress
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August 2026 Additional research systems capacity
Joyce Anna Ottereyes is scheduled to join the team, supporting the development of Aashukin’s research systems, online resources and regional coordination tools.
Upcoming
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2026 and beyond From project to regional service
Aashukin will progressively launch the research review process, online researcher training, the research portal and directory and practical tools supporting Iiyiyuu Iinuu data governance and community research capacity.
Next phase