The CAIR program has three overarching objectives: (1) strengthening Indigenous research networks to support local, regional, and intersocietal knowledge exchange; (2) using a decentralized research program to theorize relational practices, pedagogies, and methodologies; and (3) advancing innovative knowledge mobilization techniques focused on societal engagement.

CAIR is an initiative hosted by the Prairie Relationality Network (PIRN) and built out of organizing between prairie Indigenous scholars. While CAIR continues to be hosted by PIRN, this partnership advances the network well beyond the prairies, including projects expanding north (Dinjii Zhuh research), south (Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, South Dakota), east (Radical Culture School), and west (Secwépemc research). Also, where the network has previously focused on Indigenous politics, CAIR is expanding across more than ten disciplines. We will advance Indigenous-led critical dialogues through our Indigenous research network, theorizing relational practices, pedagogies, and methodologies, and mobilizing our research in the international realm. CAIR will develop the depth and sophistication of relational theory and methods, building capacity and relationships needed to conduct Indigenous research. The partnership itself, the collaborative research, and the pedagogical tools and resources developed will facilitate the transmission and mobilization of Indigenous knowledges surrounding the theory and practice of living in a relational way.

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