IAPH Institute Advisory Board Members – Biographies

(As of September 2013)

Simon Brascoupé (Chair)
A/Chief Executive Officer
National Aboriginal Health Organization

Simon Brascoupé, (Anishinabeg/ Haudenausanee – Bear Clan) Acting Chief Executive Officer, National Aboriginal Health Organization is a member of Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation, Maniwaki, Quebec. Simon Brascoupé is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Indigenous Studies at Trent University in Peterborough, Ontario and an Adjunct Research Professor in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at Carleton University. He has a B.A. and M.A. from State University of New York at Buffalo, where he is also completing his Ph.D. He has a strong interest in traditional medicine and traditional knowledge. He conducts research and training on cultural competency and safety. He published an article titled "Cultural Safety - Exploring the Applicability of the Concept of Cultural Safety to Aboriginal Health and Community Wellness" in the Journal of Aboriginal Health. Oxford University Press released Visions of the Heart, Canadian Aboriginal Issues, in April 2011 that has a chapter by Simon on 'Rekindling the Fire: Indigenous Knowledge and New Technologies.'

Simon Brascoupé teaches Aboriginal health and healing at Carleton University and the University of Manitoba. Previously Simon Brascoupé was Acting Director, Primary Health Care Division, First Nations and Inuit Health Branch, Health Canada and Director, Aboriginal Affairs Branch, Environment Canada. He has written and worked in the field of traditional knowledge and intellectual Property Rights and is on Trent University's Ph.D. Indigenous Knowledge Council. He has been involved internationally on Indigenous environmental issues, particularly the protection of Indigenous knowledge.

Dr. Heather Castleden

Dr. Heather Castleden is an Associate Professor in the School of Resource and Environmental Studies at Dalhousie University. She holds cross appointments in the Department of Bioethics and the Department of Community Health and Epidemiology (Faculty of Medicine) as well as the College of Sustainability at Dalhousie University. She is a health geographer and community-based participatory researcher.

She obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree (Athropology and Native Studies) from the University of Manitoba (1996), a Master of Education Degree (Adult and Higher Education) from the University of Alberta (2002), and a PhD (Health and Environmental Geography) at the University of Alberta (2007). She held NEARBC and SSHRC Postdoctoral Fellowships at the University of Victoria (2008-2009) before taking up her appointment at Dalhousie University (2009).

Dr. Castleden is a CIHR New Investigator in the area of Knowledge Translation (2013-2018); in addition to this prestigious award, she has received numerous other awards including the Canadian Association of Geographers' Julian M. Szeicz Award (2010), which is presented annually in recognition of significant research achievement by a Canadian Geographer at an early career stage, specifically for her contribution to the geography of environment, health and Indigenous community-based participatory research.

Catherine L. Cook, MD, MSc., CCFP, FCFP

Dr. Catherine Cook received her medical education at the University of Manitoba (1987), certified in Family Medicine in 1989, with a MSc. through the Department of Community Health Sciences, in 2003.

Dr. Cook has a joint role with the University of Manitoba as the Associate Dean, First Nations, Métis and Inuit Health, Faculty of Medicine at the University of Manitoba and the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority as Vice-President of Population and Aboriginal Health. She is engaged at the University of Manitoba, Faculty of Medicine in the areas of teaching, student supports and research.

In July 2009, she was appointed by the Province of Manitoba as the Aboriginal Health Advisor on H1N1 issues for Manitoba – to work with First Nations communities, leadership organizations and the federal government to further strengthen communication, coordination and response to H1N1 influenza.

Dr. Cook practiced as a family physician in remote northern nursing stations for several years before focusing on public health practice. She has held positions of Associate Director of the J.A. Hildes Northern Medical Unit, Regional Director of Health Programs for First Nations and Inuit Health, Manitoba Region, Regional Medical Officer of Health for the Nor-Man and Winnipeg Regional Health Authorities, Director of the Center for Aboriginal Health Education and Co-Director of the Manitoba First Nations Center for Aboriginal Health Research and Co-Chair of the 'Changes for Children' Implementation Team – a process for systemic change within the Child Welfare system in Manitoba stemming from the AJI-CWI Initiative and a series of reviews of the child welfare system. Dr. Cook is on several national boards and committees, and has actively engaged in board and committee membership throughout her career.

Pierre S. Haddad, PhD,BA

Pierre S. Haddad is a professor of pharmacology at the University of Montreal and a principal investigator at the Montreal Diabetes Research Center. Since 2003, he has lead the CIHR Team in Aboriginal Antidiabetic Medicines. The project aims at rigorously studying plants used by Elders and healers of Eeyou Istchee (Canadian James Bay Cree) that have promising anti-diabetic potential. This multidisciplinary project aims to prepare scientifically validated phytomedicines that stay close to traditional preparations and are to be clinically tested by Cree diabetics. The project also seeks to integrate Cree traditional medicine into diabetes health care.

Pierre was trained in pharmacology at the University of Montreal where he obtained a Ph.D. (1986), a postdoctoral fellowship on ionic movements involved in cell volume regulation in liver at the Institute of General and Experimental Pathology at the University of Vienna, Austria (1986-1988), which was continued this work at the Yale University Liver Center, USA (1988-1990). He then returned to the University of Montreal to establish an independent research laboratory.

Dr. Haddad has developed two major areas of research in the last two decades. The first addresses the cellular and molecular effects of cold preservation-warm perfusion (CI/WR) on liver cells and the second concerns anti-diabetic medicinal plants.

Josée Lavoie

Josée Lavoie is currently Associate Professor with the School of Health Sciences at the University of Northern British Columbia, and as of January 1st, 2014, will be taking on the role of Director of Manitoba First Nations Centre for Aboriginal Health Research at the University of Manitoba.

Josée holds a BSc in Dietetics & Nutrition (1986) and a MA in Medical Anthropology from McGill University (1993); and a PhD in Health Policy and Financing (2005) from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Before beginning her research career, Josée spend 10 years working in Indigenous controlled health services in Nunavik, Nunavut and Northern Saskatchewan.

Josée's program of research is located at the interface between policy and Indigenous health services, with a focus on contracting, accountability and responsiveness. She is particularly interested in how western and indigenous knowledge systems interface in the provision of health services in Indigenous communities. She maintains on-going partnerships with the British Columbia First Nations Health Authority and the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs. She is actively engaged in collaborations in Australia and New Zealand, and in circumpolar health research.

Crystal Lennie

Crystal Lennie is the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation's CDD Manager, Health Project/Regional Engagement Coordinator. Overseeing and supporting programs related to the Aboriginal Health Transition Fund, Aboriginal Health Human Resources Initiative, and various Health Research Projects. This includes: Palliative Care, Cancer Screening, Nasaautit (Inuit Health Data with NAHO), Addictions Planning, Early Childhood Oral Health Initiative, The Genographic Project, Practical Nursing Curriculum Development and the Inuit Health Survey "Qanuqitpit?"

She coordinates and facilitates the steering committee for the Inuvialuit portion of the Inuit Health Survey "Qanuqitpit?" She has directed various logistical components of the ship and land based surveys. Her experience working with broad partners and facilitation of health projects allows for ongoing commitment to Inuvialuit Healthcare within the Inuvialuit Settlement Region.

Crystal represents the Inuvialuit on NICoH (National Inuit Committee on Health), and is currently Co-Chair of the Public Health task group for Inuit. She currently is on the executive of the Canadian Society for Circumpolar Health, and represents the CSCH on the International Union of Circumpolar Health (IUCH).

Peter Menzies, PhD, MSW (Ojibwa)

Peter received his undergraduate degree in Social Work from the University of Manitoba. He completed his Master of Social Work studies at Laurentian University and received his PhD from the University of Toronto. His thesis work focused on trauma and intergenerational trauma among First Nations peoples. He is an Assistant Professor at the Psychiatry Department at the University of Toronto, and an Adjunct Professor, Faculty of Social Work and School of Rural and Northern Health at Laurentian University.

Peter is member of Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation, and has spent the past ten years building culturally congruent mental health and addiction programs in partnership with both urban, rural and First Nations communities through his work at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). Prior to joining CAMH, Peter worked for more than 20 years in a variety of front line and management positions at both Native and mainstream agencies.

A skilled therapist and community developer, Peter has experience working with individuals and families in child welfare, family counselling, and income support programs and is a member of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. Peter regularly travels throughout northern Ontario providing assessment, capacity building and training support to health care workers in remote communities. His research interests include Aboriginal homelessness, intergenerational trauma, child welfare, suicide prevention, addiction and mental health needs. He has published numerous articles related to Aboriginal health issues and sits on a number of Aboriginal community boards and committees both at the local and national level.

Christopher Mushquash, PhD, MA, HBSc

Christopher Mushquash is Ojibway, and a member of Pays Plat First Nation. His identity is strongly rooted in his Aboriginal culture and his experiences growing up in a rural Northwestern Ontario community. Chris obtained his undergraduate (Psychology) and Master's (Experimental Psychology) degrees from Lakehead University, and his Ph.D. (Clinical Psychology) from Dalhousie University. He completed his clinical residency in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Manitoba, specializing in rural and northern clinical practice. Chris' clinical residency training emphasized understanding the importance of the unique contexts and issues experienced by individuals living in rural and northern communities. Chris' research involves the examination of cultural issues in measurement, assessment, and treatment, as well as the development and testing of culturally appropriate substance abuse interventions for Aboriginal people. Chris has a broad interest in qualitative and quantitative Aboriginal health research including, but not limited to, substance abuse, trauma, self-harm and suicide, resilience, and community-based approaches to healing.

Chris has consulted to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), and Health Canada (First Nations Inuit Health) on issues related to culturally appropriate addictions treatment and program development. He was a member of the First Nations Addictions Advisory Panel and is currently on the National Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program (NNADAP) Renewal Leadership Team (a partnership between the Assembly of First Nations, National Native Addictions Partnership Foundation, and Health Canada). Chris is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at Lakehead University.

Michel Roy, MA, BSoc

Michel Roy was appointed Assistant Deputy Minister of the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB), Health Canada, on October 18, 2010. Prior to joining FNIHB, he served as Senior Assistant Deputy Minister for Treaties and Aboriginal Government, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, a position he had held since October 2001. He also served as the official languages champion for that Department. In June 2009, he accepted the role of Chair of the Council of the Network of Official Languages Champions.

Since entering the federal Public Service in 1989, he has served as Assistant Inspector General, Operations, for the Canadian Security Intelligence Service and as Director General, First Nations Policing Program, for the Department of the Solicitor General. In 1996, he joined the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs as Director General, Specific Claims. In 1998, he was appointed Assistant Deputy Minister, Organizational Development, for Correctional Service Canada.

Prior to joining the federal Public Service, Mr. Roy held senior positions in the field of youth protection and young people's rights with the Government of Quebec. Mr. Roy holds a Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences and a Master's degree in Criminology from the University of Ottawa.

Suzanne Tough, PhD, MSc

Suzanne Tough is a Professor with the Departments of Paediatrics and Community Health Sciences in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Calgary and a Health Scholar supported by the Alberta Innovates – Health Solutions. She is also the Scientific Director of the Alberta Centre for Child, Family and Community Research. Her research program focuses on improving health and well-being of women during pregnancy to achieve optimal maternal, birth and early childhood outcomes. She currently leads an interdisciplinary team of researchers (Preterm Birth and Healthy Outcomes Team), funded by Alberta Innovates – Health Solutions, that is learning more about preventing preterm birth and supporting healthy birth outcomes by looking at the genetic, molecular, clinical, community and population health factors that contribute to preterm birth. The underlying aim of her research program is to optimize birth and childhood outcomes by creating evidence that informs the development of community and clinical programs and influences policy.

Gail Turner, RN, MAdEd, BN, CCCHN(c) (Labrador Inuit)

Gail Turner is currently the Director of Health Services with the Nunatsiavut, Department of Health and Social Development and is responsible for Public Health, Home and Community Care, and the Non-Insured Health Benefits Program (NIHB). For the past twenty five years she has been working in public health with experience in community clinics, continuing care, and medical evacuations in Labrador. She represents Nunatsiavut on issues pertaining to health at a national level and is currently the Chair of the National Inuit Committee on Health and Co-Chair of the National Collaborating Center on Aboriginal Health.

Gail Turner received a Bachelor of Nursing from Memorial University of Newfoundland (1973), a Masters of Adult Education from St.Francis Xavier University, Nova Scotia (1993) and a Diploma in Health Administration from Canadian Healthcare Association (1996). Gail obtained a certification in Community Health Nursing from the Canadian Nurses Association (2008).

Gail has received Health Canada's First Nations and Inuit Health Branch award for Excellence in Nursing for her outstanding contribution to the health of Canada's Aboriginal peoples, in 2007.

Lee Wilson, PhD, BSc (Métis)

Dr. Lee Wilson is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Saskatchewan. He specializes in physical chemistry and is currently researching the development of new types of materials that will have a tremendous impact on areas such as the environment, medicine, advanced drug delivery system, and energy storage devices. This research will be of great importance for many Aboriginal communities in Canada that suffer from water quality and health issues.

Dr. Wilson obtained a Bachelor of Science from the University of Winnipeg (1992), and then a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Saskatchewan (1998) becoming the first Métis student to earn such a degree.

He is the recipient of numerous scientific and community awards including the Saskatchewan Centennial Medal, and the National Aboriginal Achievement Award (Science and Technology).

Dr. Wilson has provided inspiration to Aboriginal youth through the Innovators in the Schools Program, and has developed science programs and camps for Aboriginal students at the University of Saskatchewan.