Become a Research Reviewer
With Mi'kmaw Ethics Watch
Knowledge is sacred. Protecting it is a responsibility we all share.
MEW relies on Mi’kmaw voices. If you’re a community member, Elder, knowledge keeper, academic, or professional with expertise in culture, education, research, or ethics—we invite you to apply as a reviewer.
Mi’kmaw Ethics Watch (MEW) exists to ensure that any research involving Mi’kmaw people, culture, language, or knowledge is conducted ethically and respectfully. Reviewers play a vital role in this process. They are the ones who stand at the doorway, safeguarding our communities and ensuring that researchers meet the standards set by our people.
Culture & Knowledge
Ensure research honours Mi’kmaw traditions, teachings, and ways of knowing.
Integrity & Ethics
Evaluate projects for consent, respect, and alignment with Mi’kmaw protocols.
Community Impact
Support research that benefits Mi’kmaw people and protects against harm.
Sovereignty
Uphold OCAP® and data governance principles that safeguard our stories.
Your voice matters.
Reviewers help evaluate research proposals by considering cultural appropriateness, ethical standards, respect for community priorities, and adherence to OCAP® principles. Your insights guide the decisions that protect Mi’kmaw knowledge today and for generations to come.
Reviewing is an act of sovereignty. It’s a way to keep our knowledge safe, to honour our ancestors, and to shape the story we leave for those yet to come.
Who Can Apply?
Mi’kmaw Ethics Watch (Eskinuapimk) invites community members, Elders, educators, knowledge holders, researchers, and allies to stand with us in safeguarding Mi’kmaw knowledge.
Becoming a reviewer is about upholding the spirit and values of our Nation. It’s about ensuring that research is done with respect, with care, and with our communities at the centre.
You do not need to be a university professor or a researcher to join MEW as a reviewer.
You do not even need to be Mi’kmaq, although most of our reviewers are.
What matters most is your understanding that Mi’kmaw knowledge is precious, and that its protection is part of building a strong future for all of us.
We welcome reviewers from many walks of life, including:
- Community members who understand the realities and needs of Mi’kmaw communities
- Elders and knowledge holders with teachings rooted in tradition and experience
- Educators, youth leaders, and advocates
- Researchers and professionals committed to Indigenous sovereignty and ethical practice
- Language carriers, traditional healers, and cultural workers
Commitment
- Reviews are typically conducted a few times per year, depending on the number of applications.
- Reviewers may be asked to attend occasional meetings (virtually or in person).
- Honoraria may be available in recognition of your time and contribution.
If you have any concerns, please contact us at mew@unsm.org
How to Apply
If you are interested in becoming a reviewer, please fill out the form below. Contact us at mew@unsm.org for more information.
Your role as a reviewer is more than oversight. It is a continuation of our responsibility to protect Mi’kmaw knowledge for future generations. By joining MEW, you help ensure that research is done with us, for us, and guided by us. Join us in protecting our stories, our rights, and our future.