The Six Seasons of the Asiniskaw Īthiniwak: Reclamation, Regeneration, Reconciliation

Collaborative Research, Community-based Research, Oral History, Indigenous Research

The overall goal of the SSHRC Partnership project is to further the ongoing work of reclaiming Indigenous languages, histories, and knowledges among the Asiniskaw Īthiniwak (Rocky Cree).
At the heart of the project is the development of a cycle of historical picture books set during the proto-contact period of the mid-1600s, as well as a series of digital picture book apps and curriculum guides to support the use of both the books and apps in classrooms. The stories and their accompanying resources are rooted in archaeological field and collections research, as well as in historical research in archives and the documentation of oral histories held by Rocky Cree knowledge keepers.
The project also seeks to document, analyze, and assess the methods of collaborative, participatory, and community-based research used by project researchers and to mobilize the results of this meta-analysis for the purpose of advancing public policy and programming for reconciliation.

Members of Asiniskaw Īthiniwak communities invited academic researchers to work on this project with them. We understand that research on Indigenous topics should only be undertaken with the participation and informed consent of Indigenous individuals and communities. From the beginning, this project has been shaped by cross-cultural collaborations. Knowledge Keepers from Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation (Nelson House) have identified wiciwakanihītowin—walking side by side in partnership—as a guiding principle for research. Wiciwakanihītowin dictates that research must support the process of reclamation of Indigenous cultural identity before it can focus on reconciliation and that all research must be carried out in true partnership. Good research according to these principles must be an ongoing relationship built on trust, humility, and good humour. Good research takes time. We believe that taking the time to ensure we are practicing wiciwakanihītowin in all that we do is not only worthwhile, but necessary to conduct ethical research with Indigenous communities.

This project works toward change in that it aims at supporting the reconnection of Asiniskaw Īthiniwak youth with their history, language, and culture. It is important to recognize that Rocky Cree Knowledge Keepers and grassroots people started this process a long time ago.

Outputs: a series of picture books, picture book apps, and teacher’s guides to support the use of the picture books and apps in First Nations and public classrooms

Research results have been shared via academic and community conferences, in university, middle-school, and high school classrooms, via our website sixseasonsproject.ca., via social media, and via the Six Seasons newsletter

“In the end, all our work is, as William Dumas put it, about communicating a future together for the children who engage with the Six Seasons publications as they learn about Asiniskaw Īthiniwak history.”
(From our article set to be published in the ACLAR journal soon)

Literary Studies, Indigenous Studies, History, Archaeology, Education