Building Bridges — The Ashukan Institute's Mission and Vision

Building bridges

Collaborate, engage in dialogue, and build together

Ashukan is a term found in various Algonquian languages that refers to the idea of a “bridge” between the shores. On a symbolic level, it represents the bond that unites people, cultures, and organizations.

It is precisely this bond that we are committed to helping you build to strengthen your teams and consolidate your network. Ashukan helps you move from a simple desire to collaborate to concrete and sustainable actions.

Our mission: To support the development of the personal and organizational skills necessary to establish lasting relationships with Indigenous peoples, based on respect and mutual understanding.

Through our training programs and consulting services, we combine analytical rigor, in-depth knowledge of Indigenous realities, and a pedagogical approach tailored to your needs.

Vision

We aspire to a world where relationships with First Nations are based on a fair and evolving understanding of their realities. Through its research activities and the expertise of its team, the Ashukan Institute seeks to foster dialogue and mutual understanding, and to propose concrete courses of action aimed at developing more just and sustainable relationships with Indigenous peoples.

Approach

Ashukan supports organizations in developing the skills needed to collaborate effectively with Indigenous Peoples.

By combining a deep understanding of Indigenous realities, analytical rigor, and a practical educational approach, Ashukan helps organizations and businesses to:

• Better understand historical and territorial contexts
• Structure their relationships with Indigenous communities and organizations
• Adapt their organizational practices
• Mitigate certain relational or reputational risks

Guiding Principles

Ashukan's activities are based on five core principles.

1. Respect

Recognize and respect the great diversity and richness of Indigenous cultures and peoples.

2. Rigor

To produce reliable content based on a combination of contemporary scientific sources and the experience of our team members and contributors.

3. Dialogue

Promote mutual understanding by increasing opportunities for intercultural dialogue.

4. Agility

Tailor our training programs and support to the needs and realities of our clients.

5. Neutrality

Act in accordance with a fact-based diplomatic approach, without overstepping the decisions of organizations.