July 5, 2023
Dr. Jeff Reading, CM, Affiliate Professor at UBC School of Kinesiology, Faculty of Education, was appointed as a Member of the Order of Canada for his groundbreaking contributions to Indigenous health research and for his leadership in bringing Indigenous perspectives to scientific and health institutions.
A leader in cardiovascular research
Dr. Reading is the inaugural First Nations Health Authority Chair in Heart Health and Wellness at St. Paul’s Hospital, a leading international expert in Indigenous health, and a Mohawk from the Tyendinaga First Nation in Ontario. As Chair, he is leading research to develop health promotion strategies that incorporate First Nations history, culture, and spirit and producing health knowledge for policies and programs.
Indigenous people in Canada are up to two times more likely to develop heart disease than the general population. Although 80 percent of premature heart disease and stroke is preventable, First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people face many barriers to the elements of prevention, such as access to healthy food.
Dr. Reading is working to narrow the gap in heart and brain health for Indigenous peoples by working to create conditions where the future generations of First Nations peoples will have equal opportunities as do other Canadians, to experience optimal physical, emotional and spiritual health.
- To learn more about Dr. Reading’s work, read I-HEART: Indigenous Health Education Access Research Training Centre and A holistic approach to Indigenous health.
- To view all UBC faculty member appointments to the Order of Canada, read the UBC Research and Innovation announcement.
- To view all 85 new appointments to the Order of Canada, read the Governor General of Canada’s announcement.
