Story

For over forty years, the Association of Canadian Universities for Northern Studies (ACUNS) has been an indispensable organization for the advancement of northern scholarship. Established in 1978, ACUNS is a registered charitable organization headquartered in Ottawa, with volunteer representatives at member institutions across the country.

Vision

Contribute to the well-being of northern Canada, its communities and peoples.

Mission

Support collaborative and inclusive research partnerships and educational programming that responds to northern needs and priorities, and inform Canadians about the North.

Strategic Plan

Strategic Direction

  • RESEARCH and EDUCATION
    ACUNS is a relevant and sustainable organization that responds to the current and future needs of those involved in northern research and post-secondary education.
  • INDIGENOUS-LED KNOWLEDGE-SHARING
    ACUNS actively supports the recognition of Indigenous Knowledge and ways of knowing and promotes Indigenous-led research.
  • NORTHERN RESEARCH CAPACITY
    ACUNS is committed to increasing capacity in northern research through support for student and early career researchers.
  • NORTHERN FOCUSED
    ACUNS contributes to informed decision-making about policies and programs governing northern research and post-secondary education.
  • PARTNERSHIP SUPPORT
    ACUNS serves as a bridge between northern and southern institutions by building relationships and supporting research partnerships.

ACUNS Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement: Diversity in Northern Studies

It is our mission at the Association of Canadian Universities for Northern Studies (ACUNS) to promote a comprehensive understanding of the North through collaborative and Indigenous-led research, partnerships and educational programming. We strive to represent diversity across the linguistic and cultural spectrum, race, gender, age, religion, identity, ability and experience in our membership, scholarship, outreach and advocacy work. Our commitment to the advancement of northern scholarship in a respectful, inclusive environment is the impetus to fostering equity in the movement towards positive change.

Land Acknowledgement

The Association of Canadian Universities for Northern Studies (ACUNS) acknowledges the ancestral and unceded territories of the Inuit, Métis, and First Nations people for whom this land has been home since time immemorial. Our office in Ottawa is on the unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe people who have lived here for millennia. In our work – as students, academics and researchers in the field of northern studies – let us consider what we can do that can move forward the spirit of reconciliation and collaboration, and how we can support the ethical use of Indigenous Knowledge and ways of knowing.