Press Release
From: Canadian Institutes of Health Research
October 1, 2024
Today, Dr. Tammy Clifford, Acting President of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, announced that Dr. Chelsea Gabel has been appointed Scientific Director of the CIHR Institute of Indigenous Peoples’ Health (IIPH) for a term of four years, effective October 1, 2024. This appointment is the result of a consultative approach with national Indigenous organizations, Indigenous and non-Indigenous health experts, and an Advisory Circle grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing.
Dr. Gabel is Red River Métis originally from Rivers, Manitoba, and a citizen of the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF). She is an Associate Professor in the Department of Health, Aging and Society and the Indigenous Studies Department at McMaster University and holds a Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Well-Being, Community Engagement, and Innovation. Dr. Gabel has shown exceptional leadership in conducting community-engaged research, providing valuable insights into the experiences of Indigenous Peoples in Canada. She previously led the Indigenous Mentorship Network of Ontario and the Network Environments for Indigenous Health Research (NEIHR) National Coordinating Centre. Notably, Dr. Gabel produced a groundbreaking report on Indigenous health care in rural Manitoba and has spearheaded multiple digital storytelling projects documenting Métis experiences with health and well-being across the prairie provinces.
As Scientific Director of IIPH, Dr. Gabel will play a lead role in advancing CIHR’s Indigenous health research agenda in collaboration with Indigenous partners and communities across Canada and internationally. During Dr. Gabel’s term, the Institute will be based at McMaster University.
Quotes
“I am delighted to welcome Dr. Chelsea Gabel as the new Scientific Director of our Institute of Indigenous Peoples’ Health. Dr. Gabel will guide our efforts to pursue leadership and self-determination of Indigenous Peoples in health research while improving the health and wellness of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples in Canada.”
Dr. Tammy Clifford
Acting President, Canadian Institutes of Health Research
“I am truly honoured and humbled to assume this important role as a citizen of the Manitoba Métis Federation and the first Red River Métis woman in this position. Prior to the creation of IIPH, Canada lacked a national body to support Indigenous health research and training. Through the leadership of Dr. Jeff Reading and Dr. Malcolm King, along with the efforts of IIPH staff and the Institute Advisory Board, we saw the development of funding opportunities, training grants, and research ethics guidelines that have revolutionized Indigenous health research in this country. These initiatives have empowered Indigenous communities to dream, lead, and conduct research that is developed in collaboration with, by, and for Métis, Inuit, and First Nation communities. While this journey has certainly had its challenges, I am strongly committed to advancing our work in a positive and meaningful way. Finally, I wish to acknowledge and thank all those in my life who have made sacrifices that have enabled me to be here today.”
Dr. Chelsea Gabel
Incoming Scientific Director, CIHR Institute of Indigenous Peoples’ Health
“It is an honour for McMaster University to host the Institute of Indigenous Peoples’ Health and contribute to advancing the national research agenda to improve and promote the health of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities across Canada. Dr. Gabel’s outstanding research achievements and leadership acumen, which have been instrumental in expanding McMaster’s Indigenous research initiatives, will be a tremendous asset to the Institute, helping to drive collaborative research and knowledge creation.”
David Farrar,
President & Vice-Chancellor
McMaster University
“On behalf of the Manitoba Métis Federation—National Government of the Red River Métis—we extend our sincere congratulations to MMF Citizen Dr. Chelsea Gabel on her recent appointment as Scientific Director of the CIHR Institute of Indigenous Peoples’ Health. We look forward to working with Dr. Gabel as she continues to demonstrate her unwavering commitment to supporting and improving the quality and quantity of research conducted by Indigenous peoples, including those of the Red River Métis.”
Frances Chartrand
Minister of Health and Wellness, Manitoba Métis Federation, National Government of the Red River Métis
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