A look back at the IREN 2025 training programme: an in-depth experience in Innu territory

Between November 9 and 13, the ‘Introduction to Research and Northern Issues’ (Initiation à la recherche et aux enjeux nordiques, IREN) training course was held at the traditional Innu site of Kanapeut, near Pessamit. Held every two years, this in-depth training course for graduate students took place on Indigenous territory for the very first time. Over three days, some twenty students learned about best practices in northern research, both in terms of methodology and the possibilities of combining different types of knowledge, as well knowledge mobilisation and collaboration with the communities present in the research area. Above all, both mentors and students learned more about Indigenous realities and the issues faced by these populations. In particular, participants discovered Innu culture through activities and discussions that promoted dialogue and the co-construction of knowledge.

This memorable event was marked by rich exchanges, mutual learning... and lots of fun getting together to forge bonds.

Institut nordique du Québec would like to warmly thank its partners for this wonderful 2025 edition: the Kanapeut camp team and all its collaborators, the Nikanite First Nations Centre, Teshipitakan – the Multidisciplinary training and Research Chair (UQAC), the Research Chair on Relations with Inuit Societies (ULaval), the Association of Polar Early Career Scientists (APECS), Community Circle, the Manicouagan-Uapishka Biosphere Region, the Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach, Université Laval, Université de Québec à Chicoutimi and Université de Québec à Trois-Rivières.

Finally, thank you to everyone who attended. This edition would not have been as successful without your valuable participation. You certainly enriched this training programme with the quality of your contributions and your contagious enthusiasm for being with us in this exceptional location that is Camp Kanapeut.

As our host Éric Kanape so aptly put  :

« Un séjour innu-bliable ! »