Chisasibi Eeyou Resource and Research Institute

Community-Based & Community-Led Research

About Chisasibi Eeyou Resource and Research Institute

Community-led. Land-based. Knowledge-driven.

The Chisasibi Eeyou Resource and Research Institute (CERRI) is a community-based research organization established by the Cree Nation of Chisasibi in 2016. CERRI was created to ensure that research taking place in Eeyou Istchee reflects the priorities, values, and lived experiences of the Eeyou (Cree) people, while supporting the long-term stewardship of the land, waters, and wildlife.

CERRI’s foundation is rooted in the understanding that the land is not only a source of sustenance, but also of knowledge, identity, and culture. For generations, Cree land users have observed, adapted to, and cared for their environment. CERRI exists to honor and protect this knowledge while working alongside scientific approaches to better understand environmental change and support informed decision-making.

CERRI's Vision

CERRI envisions a future where research strengthens Cree self-determination, protects the land and waters of Eeyou Istchee, and supports the well-being of future generations.

We strive for a future in which Cree knowledge, lived experience, and scientific research work together to guide responsible stewardship of the environment. A future where community voices lead research priorities, youth are empowered with skills and opportunities, and decisions affecting the land are informed, respectful, and sustainable.

Through community-driven research, capacity-building, and long-term partnerships, CERRI aims to ensure that the lands, waters, and cultural practices of Chisasibi remain healthy, resilient, and respected — today and for generations to come.

Facts about Chisasibi

Chisasibi — whose name means “Great River” in Cree — is one of the largest and most vibrant communities in the Eeyou Istchee territory, with nearly 5,000 people living on the south shore of the La Grande River near James Bay. Most residents are Cree, and the Cree language and traditions continue to thrive here.

The community’s population is young and growing, with a significant portion under the age of 35 — a demographic reality that inspires our commitment to training youth, building research skills, and strengthening leadership among the next generation.

Chisasibi lies within an ancestral homeland of over 400,000 km² where the Cree continue to practice traditional harvesting, hunting, fishing, and trapping. The region includes dozens of family traplines that connect people to the land and sea and foster deep ecological knowledge passed down through generations.