The First Nation of Na-Cho Nyak Dun (NND) and Ottawa’s Carleton University signed a memorandum of understanding Wednesday.

The pact will see them collaborate on multi-disciplinary research projects centred around Indigenous and northern studies, community and human development, post-secondary education, research and access for learners.

“Today, we celebrate a partnership that will promote the advancement of Indigenous-led projects, higher education, research and training based on our traditional laws of reciprocity and in ways that are mutually beneficial to us, our students and the university,” said NND Chief Simon Mervyn.

“Together, we will build relationships that promote Indigenous knowledge keepers at the front lines of educational and training opportunities that reflect our culture, language and knowledge.”

Research projects and teaching programs designed and conducted through the partnership will be co-identified by NND and Carleton.

“Traditional knowledge and non-Indigenous knowledge come from two distinct world views that together can inform and enrich research and teaching,” the two parties said in a statement.

Precedence will be given to NND’s data sovereignty legislation that is currently under development, paramount to the Yukon Science and Explorer’s Act, and NND’s mirror legislation honouring ownership, control, access and possession principles, including retention of information.

“We are truly honoured to sign this important partnership agreement and we very much look forward to learning together in the spirit of our Kinàmàgawin strategy,’’ said Carleton president Benoit-Antoine Bacon.

“Carleton University is committed to co-creating and sharing knowledge with Indigenous peoples to shape a better future for everyone, and I want to thank Chief Mervyn and everyone involved in bringing this important partnership to life.”

The parties will also respect the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and elements of NND’s Self-Government Agreement and Ownership, Control, Access and Possession.

The memorandum of understanding will be in effect for an initial seven-year term with the possibility of renewal.