Client Overview
The Indigenous Research Circle is designed to spotlight Indigenous-led, community-based research and foster connections among students, scholars, and Indigenous communities, and is proudly funded by One Child, Every Child and headquartered at the University of Calgary.
The Challenge
The team behind this innovative initiative approached Yulu to help bring their bold vision to life: to create a dynamic, culturally grounded online gathering space that would amplify Indigenous ways of knowing and being in community-based research and connect diverse audiences to knowledge, opportunities, and relationships. The initial concept – then called the “Indigenous Community-Based Research Hub” – needed more than a website; it required strategic clarity, intentional storytelling, and deep community consultation to define its identity and purpose.
The Strategy
Yulu led a values-driven, participatory process rooted in respect, reciprocity, and relationship-building. We:
- Conducted in-depth stakeholder and rightsholder interviews with researchers, scholars, and Indigenous community members to understand the needs, hopes, and ethical considerations surrounding the platform.
- Facilitated naming and narrative development, culminating in the evolution from a functional “hub” to a more relational and holistic identity: Indigenous Research Circle – a name that reflects connection, continuity, and knowledge-sharing across generations.
- Engaged Buffalo Hyde Creative, an Indigenous-owned design studio, to develop the logo and visual story, ensuring cultural integrity and community resonance.
- Co-developed the mission and website copy, ensuring alignment with key values such as self-determination, ethics, and accessibility.
- Advised on content architecture, integrating visual, intuitive UX elements and a living design that allows for community contributions and storytelling.
The Impact
This collaboration resulted in the launch of a first-of-its-kind digital space that showcases Indigenous-led research and offers meaningful, evolving opportunities for learning and connection. Key outcomes include:
- A rebranded platform that reflects Indigenous ways of knowing and relational research methodologies.
- An accessible and intuitive website with space for evolving language, community contributions, and future expansion.
- The foundation for ongoing student engagement, research partnerships, and ethical research guidance for non-Indigenous allies.
- Elevated awareness of Indigenous scholarship and community-led research models that challenge colonial norms in academia.
Explore the platform: IndigenousResearchCircle.org
Services Provided
- Stakeholder and rightsholder interviews
- Narrative and naming strategy
- Website copywriting,UX and UI consultation and design
- Brand alignment and partner coordination
- Strategic consultation for inclusive content development
Let’s Work Together
Looking to build a digital platform that reflects the values of your community, amplifies rightsholder voices, or redefines how research and engagement are done? Whether you’re a university, nonprofit, or grassroots coalition – reach out to us at hello@yulupr.com or call +1 604-558-1656 to learn how we can help you shape your story and bring it to life. See more of university research and community engagement work here.
