Publication policy
Working draft · Published for review · 14 October 2026
Foundation and scope
These publication policies are grounded in the nêhiyaw customary-law principles of no-harm, consent, sacred responsibility, truthful witness, reciprocity and restoration, and in cîmân’s understanding of the continuing Treaty No. 6 relationship. They govern the publication’s own conduct and the permissions it may grant. They do not purport to enact law for a Nation, determine another person’s title, or reproduce the full terms of Treaty No. 6. Ref Ref
Treaty relationship and editorial independence
cîmân understands Treaty No. 6 as a continuing relationship carrying responsibilities of truthfulness, peace, good faith and reciprocity. Its editorial positions shall be identified as the publication’s positions. No article or policy shall imply that cîmân represents all Treaty No. 6 Nations or has received a mandate that has not been given.
No-harm, consent and accountable conduct
The publication shall consider foreseeable harm to people, kinship, language, land, waters and sacred responsibilities. Those directly affected shall be heard with care. Consent shall not be inferred from silence. Deliberate deception, threats and coercion are inconsistent with this policy. Disagreement, criticism and requests for evidence shall not, by themselves, be treated as misconduct.
Reporting, opinion and original sources
Reporting, opinion, paid advertising and working drafts shall be distinguished. Factual claims shall be supported by appropriate evidence. Historical records shall be cited precisely, with paragraph, page or archival references where available. A court’s holding shall be distinguished from argument, commentary and the publication’s customary-law position. Uncertainty and conflicting records shall be disclosed.
Corrections and fair response
Requests for correction or response shall be examined on their merits. The publication retains responsibility for its reporting. Material corrections shall be recorded clearly; a disputed account shall not be silently converted into an established fact. A person criticized in reporting should ordinarily be offered a reasonable opportunity to respond, with safety, confidentiality and urgency considered.
Advertising and financial support
Advertisements shall be labelled and placed on the separate advertising page. Financial support does not purchase editorial approval, favourable coverage or authority over ceremonial matters. Material financial interests affecting coverage shall be disclosed. Any payment for access shall be described separately from a voluntary contribution; no charitable tax receipt shall be promised unless the receiving entity is legally entitled to issue it.
Authority, review and amendments
These are publication policies, not a substitute for the living authority of customary law, oral transmission or ceremony. Where the publication’s witness text misstates its source, it shall be corrected. Revisions shall show a review date and preserve an appropriate version record. The working-draft designation does not dispense with responsibility for material already published.