Research Focus and Projects

Research Focus Points:

Anishinaabek Water G’giikendaaswinmin

Self-Determination

Assessments & Protection

Specific Projects Include:

Transforming chemical risk management with Indigenous knowledge and law
Aquatic ecosystem stewardship and water governance
Environmental governance (with a focus on Anishinaabek law and land-based learning)
Indigenous Relations with Ginebigomeg (Sea Lamprey)
Treaty Relationships
Moose Management

Indigenous Law

Transforming Chemical Management with Indigenous Expertise

Creates opportunities for Indigenous communities, academics, and organizations to collaborate on Indigenous-led and community driven approaches to governing the presence of chemicals in our lands, waters, and bodies. This projects starts with Indigenous knowledges and methods to develop new protocols, tools, and curricula that position Indigenous expertise as foundational to understandings of chemical risk.

The lab is working on the Learning from the Lands sub-project which seeks to transform glyphosate and broader chemical risk management using Indigenous law and community-led evidence and co-learn with Elders and collaborators to shift policy and practice

Funded and supported by: New Frontiers in Research Funds (NFRF)

Bimiizii Project: Indigenous Relationships with Sea Lamprey in the Great Lakes

This project looks to enhance collective understanding of Indigenous relationships with Bimiizii and their control; and identify priorities and support emerging initiatives to enhance Bimiizii research, management, and communications. Focus on kinship approaches for managing relations with Bimiizii, placing emphasis on what we can learn from and through Indigenous languages and through our English language choices

Funded and supported by: The Great Lakes Fishery Commission

Indigenous Aquatic Knowledge for Water Sustainability

Project aims to advance Indigenous knowledge systems alongside western science for aquatic ecosystem assessment and management in RHT territory. First, a baseline aquatic monitoring program will be developed drawing on Indigenous aquatic knowledge systems held by Anishinabek from the Robinson Huron Treaty territory. Second, western tools such as aquatic monitoring for biological, chemical and physical integrity will be used to determine the state of the aquatic ecosystem. Third, a management tool for moving forward will be developed for aquatic decision making.

Funded and supported by: Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)

All research will be co-designed, co-implemented, co-analyzed, co-authored and guided by Anishinaabek protocols.

Current Projects:

Projects at Ndakendaaswin Gamig

At Ndakendaaswin Gamig, our projects are rooted in culture, creativity, community, and lifelong learning. Each initiative is designed to create meaningful opportunities for connection, healing, education, and personal growth for people of all ages.

Cultural Workshops & Teachings

Interactive workshops that celebrate Indigenous knowledge, traditions, language, storytelling, and artistic expression. These experiences encourage participants to reconnect with culture while learning in a supportive and engaging environment.

Youth Programs

Empowering youth through creative expression, mentorship, leadership opportunities, and wellness-focused activities. Programs are designed to build confidence, strengthen identity, and encourage positive community connections.

Community Art Projects

Collaborative murals, painting projects, and creative initiatives that bring communities together through art and storytelling. These projects create lasting visual representations of culture, healing, and shared experiences.

Wellness & Life Promotion Initiatives

Programs focused on mental wellness, life promotion, self-expression, and community support. Through creativity, discussion, and connection, participants are encouraged to explore healing and personal growth in meaningful ways.

Land-Based & Seasonal Learning

Hands-on learning experiences centered around nature, traditional teachings, seasonal practices, and community knowledge-sharing. These projects encourage deeper connections to land, culture, and traditional ways of life.

Educational Partnerships

Collaborations with schools, organizations, and communities to deliver culturally grounded workshops, presentations, and customized learning opportunities tailored to the needs of each group.