The goal of the unit is to ensure that health research conducted in the Island Lake Anisininew Nations area of Manitoba complements and fortifies the guiding principles of Mamow. Our mission is for health research to act as a tool for the health and wellbeing of the Anisininew – Anisininew Minoayawin Nanandowkendamowin. The outcomes of health research in Island Lake Anisininew Nations must be compliance with the universal medical credo “FIRST DO NO HARM”.

The unit has developed guiding principles recommended for research conducted in the Anisininew Nations region. The goals of health research that impacts Anisininew health and wellbeing and creates positive outcomes include:

1. Respecting and honouring the merits and heritage of Anisininew knowledge, wisdom, and lived experiences. Re-examining pre-conceived notions about Anisininew medicines, health and research practices which have been passed down through the Elders and Knowledge-Sharers/Keepers, and have proven benefits to the people.
2. Sensitive and responsive research whose activities scrutinize goals and outcomes through the lens of the social determinants of health for Indigenous populations in Canada.
3. Preserving and enriching Anisininewuk culture and language, and its intersections with the values and goals for Mamow.
4. Strengthening and embracing Anisininew data governance, data security, privacy and confidentiality.
5. Conducting health research where outcomes will safeguard, protect and preserve the Anisininewuk, and direct meaningful Indigenous health policies and legislation which address the factors critical to Mamow.
6. Collaboration with Anisininew at all levels of health research, and prioritizing research and innovation which is in the best interests of Mamow, and contributes to culturally appropriate health infrastructure, human capacity and structural development.