Canadian First Nation and Carleton University agree to work on research projects together
Representatives of the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun and Ottawa’s Carleton University signed a memorandum of understanding to work together on research projects.
During Mervyn’s speech, made in a live-streamed event on Wednesday, he read part of “Together Today for our Children Tomorrow,” a historic 1973 document that set the path for Yukon First Nations to negotiate land claims agreements.
Mervyn said the words from elders at that time are still relevant today.
Conditions that are part of the memorandum include the First Nation in Mayo, Yukon, and the university deciding what needs to be researched, along with who does the research.
The First Nation and the university will generally co-own the research.
All research projects also have to include members of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun, so that they develop the skills to allow the First Nation to do its own research.
Some of the desired research topics include environment, justice, and educational issues, Mervyn said.
Several projects have already been completed in collaboration with the university.
According to university president Benoit-Antoine Bacon, the memorandum of understanding has a seven-year term.
“It is my expectation that we will renew [the memorandum],” he said.
Related stories from around the North:
Canada: Feds invests $3.2 million in Indigenous-managed watershed program in northern Canada, Eye on the Arctic
Greenland/Denmark: Greenland and Denmark finalize cooperation agreement on marine pollution response, Eye on the Arctic
Finland: Finland’s endangered Saimaa ringed seal population reaches 400, Yle News
Norway: In Arctic Norway, seabirds build nests out of plastic waste, The Independent Barents Observer
United States: Mass grey whale strandings may be linked to solar storms, CBC News
