Building Healthy, Collaborative Relationships
Goal 1a: Integrating Anishinaabemowin in Research and Interactions
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Anishinaabemowin as a Cultural Foundation: Ensuring Anishinaabemowin is central in Maamwizing research, acting as a repository for Indigenous worldviews, teachings, and cultural knowledge.
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Actions:
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Read the mission and vision statements in Anishinaabemowin at the beginning of each meeting.
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Incorporate Anishinaabemowin prayer in all meetings and events.
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Goal 1b: Honoring Indigenous Knowledge through Elders and Language Holders
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Elder Representation: Recognizing the importance of Elders and language holders in ensuring authentic cultural practices and teachings.
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Actions:
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Continue to ensure representation of Elders on the Executive Committee.
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Involve Elders in ongoing projects to guide research and community initiatives.
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Goal 1c: Emphasizing Land-Based Learning and Ceremony
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Land-Centered Research Approach: Focusing on the interconnectedness of land, culture, and community to guide holistic research.
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Actions:
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Organize seasonal gatherings to maintain a holistic understanding of the land.
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Continue to incorporate land-based learning and ceremonies into research activities and the institute’s events.
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Goal 1d: Maintaining Relational Accountability in Identity
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Accountability to Community Identity: Prioritizing relational accountability to respect and honor the identities of all involved.
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Actions:
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Use internal identity accountability policies when reviewing new Maamwizing members to ensure alignment with cultural and community values.
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This goal lies in fostering a deep connection between Indigenous knowledge, language, and culture, ensuring that they remain at the heart of all research and community initiatives. By integrating Anishinaabemowin into daily practices and decision-making processes, and by prioritizing the guidance of Elders and language holders, we are honoring the wisdom of generations past while ensuring that cultural traditions are preserved for future generations. This goal emphasizes the interconnectedness of the land, language, and people, acknowledging that authentic understanding can only come from a holistic, land-based approach. It is through relational accountability and a steadfast commitment to cultural integrity that we can ensure our research and community efforts are not only respectful but also grounded in the values that sustain Indigenous communities.