Dr. Heather Fould’s Set to Take Term as Newly Appointed SK-NEIHR Nominated Principal Investigator

We are excited to announce that Dr. Heather Foulds, renowned researcher and Associate Professor at the University of Saskatchewan in the College of Kinesiology, is the incoming Nominated Principal Investigator of SK-NEIHR (Saskatchewan Network Environments for Indigenous Health Research). SK-NEIHR is made up of the nātawihowin and mamawiikikiyaahk Research, Training and Mentorship Network team, which supports community stakeholders and researchers in respectful research relationships. This network has over 100 members from across Saskatchewan and beyond. As a highly valued, long-time team member of the SK-NEIHR, Dr. Foulds has supported the SK-NEIHR as a Principal Investigator. Thought leader, continuous source of knowledge, insight, and wisdom, and an ever-rising star in her research arena of Kinesiology, Dr. Foulds has contributed extensively to the design, development and implementation of the SK-NEIHR’s work. 
 
Dr. Foulds’ work focuses on medical perspectives with physical activity and exercise, healthy lifestyle, and the social and cultural aspects of health in preventative approaches to cardiovascular disease. More specifically, Dr. Foulds’ research explores cardiovascular health determinants in Indigenous people, with a focus on the cardiovascular health of Indigenous women. Through studying Métis jigging, Dr. Foulds has been able to drive knowledge production and conversation about the benefits of that sociocultural practices can play in our physical health. 

In addition to her innovative and inspiring work, Dr. Foulds also holds a number of important research designations. As the Early Career Chair of Indigenous Women’s Heart and Brain Health, a position co-funded by Heart and Stroke and CIHR, Dr. Foulds studies the importance of culture and social support as mediators of health for Indigenous women. Additionally, Dr. Foulds holds research grants from SHRF and CIHR, which support her investigation of the health benefits of Métis jigging,  
 
SK-NEIHR is built on a model of mentorship and rotation of leadership, to foster continuous opportunities for researchers with the SK-NEIHR. The tireless hard work and mentorship from Dr. Robert Henry, SK-NEIHR’s previous Nominated Principal Investigator, has led to significant network growth these past four years. We are thankful that Dr. Henry will continue to support the SK-NEIHR as a Principal Investigator.