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Apply for Mi'kmaw Research Approval

Applying to MEW is a commitment to ethical, community-driven research that respects Mi’kmaw sovereignty.

It is also required.

Does My Research Require MEW Review?

Any research involving Mi’kmaw people, communities, or knowledge must receive MEW approval before it begins. This ensures that research is culturally safe, ethical, and beneficial to our people.

Submit Application

Ready to submit your research proposal? Use this portal to begin the MEW review process.
Submit Your Research Proposal
Submit
  1. Submit your research proposal for review.
  2. Ensure your application includes all required documents.
  3. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Response times vary based on project complexity.

Application Resources

📝 Download Paper Application Form
📝 Indigenous Research Guidelines
✏️ Download Amendment Form
🚫 Download Exemption Form

Yes. MEW approval is required in addition to university ethics review if your research involves Mi’kmaw people, communities, knowledge, lands, or rights. University REBs assess research through institutional ethics standards; MEW ensures it aligns with Mi’kmaw sovereignty, culture, and community priorities.

Research may be exempt if it:

  • Does not involve Mi’kmaw people, knowledge, culture, or lands

  • Is internal to a Mi’kmaw organization for their own planning or reporting

  • Involves publicly available information, such as aggregate data or government reports

  • Has already been reviewed and approved by MEW and remains unchanged

If you’re unsure whether your project qualifies, complete the [Exemption Request Form]—MEW will assess and confirm.

  1. Yes. If your project’s timeline changes, or if you modify your research scope, methodology, participants, or location, you must complete a [MEW Amendment Form]. Continuing research without an approved amendment may result in withdrawal of approval.

Even if your research does not directly involve participants, MEW review may still be required if you are:

  • Working with Mi’kmaw knowledge, language, or cultural practices

  • Researching Mi’kmaw land use, treaty rights, or governance

  • Analyzing documents or data that reflect Mi’kmaw perspectives or history

If there’s any connection to Mi’kmaw knowledge or rights, MEW should be consulted.

Yes. Students conducting research that involves Mi’kmaw people, knowledge, or rights must submit their proposals to MEW for review. This includes undergraduate honors theses, master’s research, and PhD dissertations. Supervisors and institutions are encouraged to support students in following MEW protocols.

Research Application Process

Conducting research with Mi’kmaw people, knowledge, or communities is a responsibility, not just a task. MEW ensures that research is carried out respectfully, ethically, and in alignment with Mi’kmaw sovereignty. Here’s how the application process works:

Step 1: Review the MEW Guidelines
Take an Important Moment to:
  • Ensure your research honors Mi’kmaw sovereignty, OCAP® principles, and cultural ethics.
  • Understand expectations around consent, community engagement, and knowledge protection.
Step 2: Prepare Your Application Package
Your proposal should clearly describe:
  • Research purpose, goals, and questions
  • Methodology and participant recruitment
  • Informed consent process
  • How data will be managed, stored, and protected
  • Potential benefits to Mi’kmaw communities
Step 3: Submit Your Application
  • An administrative check will ensure your application is complete.
  • Your project will then be assigned to a review team of Mi’kmaw community members and experts.
  • Reviewers will assess your proposal for ethical soundness, cultural respect, and community relevance.
Step 4: Respond to Feedback (If Needed)
  • Researchers may be asked to revise their proposal based on reviewer feedback.
  • MEW promotes a collaborative process—feedback helps strengthen your project and build trust.
  • Revised applications are reviewed again before a final decision is made.
Step 5: Approval and Accountability
If your project is approved:
  • You will receive a formal approval letter.
  • A QR code will be issued to verify your research approval publicly.
  • You must follow any conditions set by MEW, including reporting back to communities and MEW where required.
  • If your project changes after approval (scope, participants, methodology), an Amendment Form must be submitted for further review.
Apply Now