Research
Kwusen conducts collaborative research with Indigenous communities to document their Title, Rights, histories and land use.
Our participatory approach provides the training and tools for community researchers to conduct research using the best technology and legally defensible methods of documentation.
Whether the research is called a TUS (Traditional Use Studies), CHA (Cultural Heritage Assessments) or, TEK (Traditional Ecological Knowledge) study, our research provides the information needed for consultation, decision-making, and litigation.
Indigenous Rights & Title Research
Kwusen conducts collaborative Cultural Heritage Assessments and Indigenous Knowledge and Land Use Studies with First Nations across Canada. Our research and reports are designed to assess the potential effects of proposed developments on Indigenous land use and Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK).
Our participatory approach emphasizes community capacity building, including interview methodology training and ongoing mentorship with community researchers. Multi-media materials (including interview recordings, mapped data, and video) are uploaded to the Community KnowledgeKeeper, ensuring that data collected during interviews remains secure and accessible to community members.
Cumulative Effects Assessment
Kwusen tailors Cumulative Effects Assessment (CEA) methodologies to fit Indigenous laws and cultural frameworks. Kwusen works closely with clients to identify appropriate Valued Components (VCs) and to assess the cumulative impacts of a proposed development on these VCs.
Our collaborative approach ensures that community consultation is ongoing during the assessment process. Our work captures community concerns and assesses the cumulative impacts of a project on both intangible (i.e. cultural heritage; language) and tangible (i.e. aquatic ecosystems; fish and fish habitats) VCs.
Archival Research
Kwusen researchers have extensive experience conducting archival research related to Strength of Claim, territorial boundaries, and historical and ongoing infringements on Aboriginal Title and Rights, including land use.
This research includes identifying and addressing gaps in currently available research; working directly with archival and heritage institutions to obtain recordings, photographs, and other materials on behalf of our clients; and utilizing archival documents (including maps, aerial photos, surveyor’s journals, and photographs) to demonstrate Indigenous land use and occupancy.
Capacity Building
Kwusen’s collaborative research approach emphasizes capacity building and ongoing mentorship. Kwusen researchers regularly provide Interview Methods Training Courses to community researchers, as well as conduct archival methods, film making, and data management training.
Kwusen researchers also provide on-site and remote support and mentorship to community researchers conducting their own Indigenous Knowledge and Land Use interviews.
Socio-Economic & Harvesting Surveys
Kwusen conducts community-based socio-economic and resource harvesting surveys with First Nations. Kwusen works closely with clients to collaboratively design and administer surveys to gather community-specific data to meet the needs of local decision-makers.
Our collaborative approach includes training and working with community researchers to build capacity. Kwusen researchers also assist with the interpretation and analysis of data collected from surveys, and the production of reports and memos from these data.
Gap Analyses
The Kwusen team has extensive experience reviewing and analyzing the quality of existing mapped interview and community knowledge data which includes Traditional Land Use, Traditional Ecological Knowledge, archival research, genealogy and historical data. Kwusen regularly completes data gap analyses that identify areas requiring further research or data verification.
Our gap analyses are used to inform research project planning and produce recommendations for targeted data collection. Our comprehensive approach ensures that future research addresses data gaps and accurately represents the use and occupancy of Indigenous communities on their lands.