Indigenous-Led Research Approach

We are committed to this long-term work guided by community leadership, scientific collaboration, and a shared responsibility to protect the plants that have sustained northern peoples for generations. With our partners, we are building a long-term, northern-led research infrastructure grounded in respect, cultural protocols, and the realities of the land.

Our Research Overarching Goals

Restoring
Echosystems

Protecting
Yukon First Nation Cultures

Photo: Yukon Government / D Crowe

Strengthening
Northern Food
Security

Developing
Local
Economies

Our Approach

Landscape-scale ecological modelling

Understanding how climate variables, soils, fires, and habitat changes shape berry distribution.
Laboratory and greenhouse innovation

Using tools such as tissue culture, propagation trials, and genomic analysis to improve restoration success.
Nursery-based propagation & seed systems

Growing culturally significant berry species for reclamation, restoration, and community food security.
Indigenous knowledge leadership

Ensuring Elders’ observations, teachings, and governance principles guide research decisions.
Photo:Yukon Native Language Centre.
Data sovereignty (OCAP®)

All data is managed according to First Nation Ownership, Control, Access, and Possession principles.
Community partnerships

Co-designing research and propagation with First Nation governments, Elders, harvesters, and land stewards to ensure community priorities, capacity-building, and direct local benefits.