Aashukin naanituuchischayitimuwin aah kiniwaapitiikinuuch
Bridge Research and oversight
Our foundational principles
Imagine someone arrives in Eeyou Istchee with a question.
They want to study the land, the water, the animals, the climate, the language, the people, or the knowledge that has been carried here for generations. Maybe they are a university researcher. Maybe they work for a company, a government, or a monitoring program. Maybe their project is called research, an impact assessment, a study, or environmental monitoring.
Whatever the name, if the work is about Eeyou Istchee, it matters to the Cree Nation.
That is why the Aashukin Advisory Committee came together to develop and adopt these principles. The Committee brings together representatives from the eleven Cree First Nations, along with regional Cree organizations working in areas such as health, education, culture, environment, youth, language, economic development and governance. Together, they helped shape a common Cree Nation approach to research in Eeyou Istchee.
These 12 principles explain what the Cree Nation expects from anyone doing research in the territory.
They reflect the values, rights, responsibilities and knowledge systems of Iiyiyuu Iinuu people, and they were adopted to make sure research is guided by respect, accountability and meaningful benefits for communities. They are a starting point for doing research in a good way: with care for people, with respect for the land and waters, and with responsibility toward future generations of Eeyou Istchee.
The Iiyiyuu Iinuu Principles for Research in Eeyou Istchee
Principle 1
Research must respect Iiyiyuu Iinuu values, culture, integrity and worldviews.
Principle 2
Research must never interfere with Iiyiyuu Iinuu rights — including those protected by the JBNQA, Cree laws, Canadian and Cree constitutions, or any other indigenous, national or international legal frameworks.
Principle 3
The Iiyiyuu Iinuu Way of Life comes first. Research must not disrupt or interfere with traditional activities.
Principle 4
Research must bring meaningful benefits to Iiyiyuuch Iinuuch and their communities — including supporting local research capacity, providing training, sharing knowledge, and creating opportunities for community involvement.
Principle 5
Research must respect the land of Eeyou Istchee — its waters, wildlife, and climate — and must not harm or threaten its integrity.
Principle 6
Researchers must recognize and respect Iiyiyuu Iinuu expertise and collective knowledge about their land and way of life — and strive to incorporate concepts rooted in the Iiyiyuu Iinuu worldview, such as miyupimaatisiiun, into their work.
Principle 7
Researchers must seek to understand and respectfully reflect the Iiyiyuu Iinuu worldview, especially its deep connection — mind, body, and spirit — to the land and knowledge systems of Eeyou Istchee.
Principle 8
Indigenous research methods should be prioritized. Researchers must use Iiyiyuu Iinuu or other Indigenous methodologies when they are available and relevant.
Principle 9
Research must be developed and conducted in collaboration with Iiyiyuuch Iinuuch. Findings must be reviewed by communities before publication, and summaries shared in Iiyiyuu Iinuu ayimuwin (Cree language) when needed.
Principle 10
Research must follow the ethical guidelines of the Iiyiyuu Iinuu communities concerned, including their understanding and application of OCAP® principles.
Principle 11
Researchers must ensure all participants clearly understand the project’s goals, methods, and scope. Free, prior, and informed consent is required — and participants may withdraw at any time.
Principle 12
Iiyiyuuch Iinuuch own their collective knowledge. Permission to use Iiyiyuu Iinuu data or knowledge is temporary and conditional — it must not extend beyond the approved scope or duration of the research project.
DOWNLOAD THE IIYIYUU IINUUPRINCIPLES FOR RESARCH HERE
How it works
The review process, step by step
Any researcher planning to conduct work in Eeyou Istchee — whether a student, academic, government scientist, or NGO — is expected to go through the Aashukin review before beginning fieldwork or community engagement.
Step 1
Get in touch
Contact Aashukin early — ideally before your proposal is finalized. Share what you are hoping to study, where, and with whom.
Step 2
Pre-screening
Aashukin staff assess the project against Iiyiyuu Iinuu research principles and work with you to strengthen it before formal review.
Step 3
Panel review
The Iiyiyuu Research Review Panel — made up of community representatives — assesses the project and prepares its recommendations.
Step 4
Outcome shared
Recommendations are returned to the researcher. Approved projects are posted to the Research Portal and their outcomes tracked.
For researchers
What researchers need to know
Who needs to apply?
Any researcher — academic, government, student, or NGO — planning work that involves Cree communities, lands, or knowledge in Eeyou Istchee. This includes surveys, interviews, ecological studies, and archival work involving Cree materials.
When should I apply?
As early as possible — ideally before your funding proposal is submitted. Early engagement allows Aashukin to help shape the project so it aligns with community priorities and has the best chance of approval.
How long does review take?
The timeline depends on the scope of the project and the panel’s schedule. Simple projects may be reviewed within four to six weeks. More complex projects involving multiple communities may take longer. Contact us for an estimate.
Downloads
Documents & Templates
The following documents are available to researchers, community members, and partners. All documents are free to download.
Model Research Agreement
PDF · 1.2 MB
A ready-to-adapt agreement template covering data ownership, consent, publication rights, and community benefit.
Iiyiyuu Iinuu Research Principles
PDF · 840 KB
The full statement of principles that guide all research governance decisions made by Aashukin.
Data Sharing Agreement Template
DOCX · 220 KB
A customizable template for agreements governing how research data collected in Eeyou Istchee may be stored, shared, and used.
Researcher’s Guide to the Review
PDF · 1.6 MB
A step-by-step guide for researchers walking through what to expect at each stage of the Aashukin review process.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Is Aashukin approval required by law?
Aashukin review is required under Cree Nation Government policy for research conducted on Cree lands or involving Cree communities. Many funding agencies also recognize it as part of Indigenous research ethics requirements.
Does Aashukin review replace my university’s ethics board?
No. Aashukin review is separate from and complementary to institutional ethics review. Researchers are expected to obtain approval from both. The two processes address different but related questions about research integrity and community consent.
What happens if my project is not approved?
The panel’s recommendations are shared with the researcher in writing. In most cases, recommendations include conditions or suggested revisions rather than outright refusal. Researchers are encouraged to work with Aashukin staff to address concerns.
Is there a fee to apply?
There is currently no application fee. Aashukin is funded through the Cree Nation Government and operates as a service to both communities and researchers.
Can community members access the review panel process?
Yes. Community members are central to the review panel. Each Cree community in Eeyou Istchee is invited to name representatives to serve on the Iiyiyuu Research Review Panel. Aashukin provides orientation and support for panel members.
Who can I contact if I have more questions?
Reach out to the Aashukin team directly at info@aashukin.ca. We are happy to answer questions from researchers, community members, students, and partner organizations at any stage.
Still have questions?
Our team is here to help. Whether you are planning a research project or want to understand your rights as a community member, get in touch.