Dr. Foulds wins award for Research, Scholarly, and Artistic Works(RSAW)
A new faculty award has been created in the College of Kinesiology that aims to annually recognize and celebrate the outstanding research, scholarly achievements, and community-based impact.
By Alyssa Wiebe | Kinesiology CommunicationsThis year’s award recipient of the College of Kinesiology Faculty RSAW Excellence Award is Dr. Heather Foulds.
Dr. Foulds holds the prestigious Heart and Stroke/CIHR Research Chair, focusing on the health and well-being of Métis People. Her research initiative is notable for its focus on health determinants specific to the Métis community, with particular attention to the significance of cultural activities, social connectedness, and support networks.
“Dr. Foulds has consistently highlighted the need for more Métis-specific health research in her work. For instance, she has emphasized the importance of cultural connectedness in the health of Métis women and she specifically addresses the health impacts of Métis dancing,” said colleague, nominator, and Associate Professor, Dr. Leah Ferguson.
Dr. Foulds' efforts consistently promote the integration of health considerations specific to the Métis community within the wider context of Indigenous health research, emphasizing the distinct cultural and social factors that influence the Métis population. She has shown an exceptional capacity to obtain funding from various sources, including grants from CIHR, SSHRC, and SHRF.
Her achievements don’t stop there as she has an outstanding record of publications. She has written and collaborated on a significant number of peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and conference presentations, showcasing her expertise and leadership in the field of research. Her extensive publications focus on issues pertaining to the health and physical activity of Indigenous Peoples.
“Her research is significant, innovative, and impactful, addressing critical health issues within Métis and other Indigenous communities through culturally relevant and community-engaged approaches,” said Dr. Leah Ferguson. “As someone who frequently has the privilege of collaborating with Dr. Foulds, I never pass up the opportunity to work alongside someone of her exceptional research calibre, her inspiring spirit, and her unwavering commitment to community.”
The College of Kinesiology Faculty RSAW Excellence Award will be presented annually during College of Kinesiology Research Showcase in March.