Associate Professor Chelsea Gabel named Tier 1 Canada Research Chair

Chelsea Gabel, associate professor in the departments of Indigenous Studies and Health, Aging & Society, has been named as a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair (CRC) in Indigenous Well-Being, Community-Engagement and Innovation.

Gabel’s current research focuses on Indigenous policy, Indigenous identity, Métis health and well-being, data governance, arts-based research, ethics, digital technology and the importance of intergenerational relationships.

“I am truly honoured to have been awarded a CRC Tier 1,” said Gabel. “The CRC offers me the important opportunity to make a direct impact on the health and well-being of Indigenous peoples, communities and nations.”

Social Sciences Dean Jeremiah Hurley said that the appointment recognised the calibre of research that Gabel brings to McMaster and its impact on Indigenous communities across Canada.

“Dr. Chelsea Gabel has been an enormous contributor to the departments of Health, Aging and Society and Indigenous Studies,” said Hurley.

“The scope and range of her research agenda and community engagement activities is a testament to her commitment to advancing Indigenous health and wellbeing in partnership with Indigenous communities.”

Alongside her work at McMaster, Gabel is the current Scientific Director of the Institute of Indigenous Peoples’ Health with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. She is Métis from Rivers, Manitoba and a citizen of the Manitoba Métis Federation.

Learn more about Gabel’s INDIGITAL Storytelling project here.