October 22, 2025
Congratulations to Dr. Cash Ahenakew on the renewal of his appointment as Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Indigenous People’s Well-Being.
The Canada Research Chairs Program enables Canadian universities to achieve the highest levels of research excellence and become world-class research centres. Chairholders improve our depth of knowledge and quality of life, strengthen Canada’s international competitiveness, and help train the next generation of highly skilled people through student supervision, teaching and the coordination of other researchers’ work.
Dr. Cash Ahenakew is Plains Cree and a member of the Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation. He has served as Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Indigenous People’s Well-Being since June 1, 2020. The renewal of his term will commence on June 1, 2025.
As an Associate Professor in the Department of Educational Studies, he has spent his career searching for ways to understand how local knowledges and practices can inform the resurgence of Indigenous wisdom, knowledge, education, well-being and healing practices.
As Canada Research Chair in Indigenous People’s Well-Being, he is focusing on decolonizing Indigenous mental health, transforming healthcare providers’ practices, and ensuring culturally appropriate eldercare.
He and his research team are examining the influences of colonization and climate change on the mental health and well-being of Indigenous people. They are also exploring the responsibilities of physicians in interrupting colonialism and anti-Indigenous racism in the health-care sector. Dr. Ahenakew’s team is also working with seniors, Elders, practitioners and providers to explore how Indigenous seniors experience assisted living, adult daycare, long-term care, nursing homes, hospice care and home care. By integrating Indigenous healing practices and land-based orientations with contemplative practices and therapies, their research will contribute to healing and well-being for Indigenous people.
To learn more about the fourteen new and renewed UBC Canada Research Chairs, read the Office of the Vice-President, Research and Innovation’s announcement.
