Aaniin!
Welcome to Maamwizing Indigenous Research Institute, where we honour and amplify the voices of Indigenous communities through dedicated research, education, and advocacy. Founded by a diverse group of scholars and community leaders, we are committed to fostering collaboration, respect, and understanding. Join us on this journey to celebrate and protect Indigenous wisdom and ways of life.
Our History
Maamwizing means “coming together” in Anishnabemowin, and the spirit of its name has been part of our founding story from the very beginning. In 2013, Laurentian University Native Education Council (LUNEC) first identified the need to develop an Indigenous Research Centre focused on Indigenous issues in the North (LUNEC Strategic Plan 2013-2018). In 2015, after the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) released its 94 Calls to Action, several Indigenous scholars working at Laurentian University came together to create a first-of-its-kind Indigenous research institute.
Under the leadership of Dr. Sheila Cote-Meek, an Anishnabe scholar and leader and the Vice President Academic and Indigenous Programs at Laurentian, institutional groundwork was mobilized through assembling a steering committee that included - Sheila Cote-Meek, Taima Moeke-Pickering, Celeste Pedri-Space and Pascalle Roy-Reveiller, who led the development of the proposal and presented it to the Senate in 2016.
Our Values
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Cultural Respect: Honoring and valuing Indigenous knowledge, traditions, and perspectives as integral to our research and practices.
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Community Empowerment: Prioritizing the needs and aspirations of Indigenous communities, ensuring they have a leading role in the research process.
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Collaboration: Fostering partnerships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous researchers, communities, and organizations to enhance mutual understanding and shared goals.
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Integrity: Conducting research with transparency, ethical standards, and accountability to the communities we serve.
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Sustainability: Promoting practices that support the long-term health and well-being of Indigenous lands, cultures, and ecosystems.
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Holistic Approaches: Recognizing the interconnectedness of cultural, social, economic, and environmental factors in Indigenous life.
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Education and Knowledge Sharing: Committing to lifelong learning and the dissemination of knowledge that uplifts Indigenous voices and experiences.
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Advocacy: Championing Indigenous rights and social justice through informed research and active engagement in policy discussions.
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Tradition and Innovation: Balancing respect for traditional knowledge with innovative research methodologies to address contemporary challenges.
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Inclusivity: Embracing diversity within Indigenous communities and ensuring all voices are heard and respected in the research process.
