Mathieu Boisvert

Mathieu Boisvert is a Professor at the Department of Religious Studies at Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) since 1992. He holds a BA in Religious Studies from McGill University (1981-1984), a Pali diploma from Siddhartha College, University of Bombay (1984-1985), a Master's in South Asian Studies from the University of Toronto (1985-1987), and a PhD in Pali and Sanskrit from McGill University (1987-1991). His research focuses on South Asian religious traditions, contemporary practices like pilgrimage and asceticism, and the role of religion in immigrant identity reconstruction in Quebec.

• Education:
  • BA in Religious Studies, McGill University (1981-1984)
  • Pali Diploma, Siddhartha College, University of Bombay (1984-1985)
  • MA in South Asian Studies, University of Toronto (1985-1987)
  • PhD in Pali and Sanskrit, McGill University (1987-1991)

His fieldwork spans India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Nepal, and Bhutan, with a focus on pilgrimage routes and ritual practices. He co-founded GRÌMER (Groupe de recherche interdisciplinaire sur le Montréal ethno-religieux), emphasizing the role of religion in immigrant identity formation. He collaborates with Sri Lankan Tamil and Indian Hindu communities, and has studied Bhutanese refugees in Quebec since 2009.

He pioneered the 'Field Studies in India' graduate program, requiring students to spend a month in India after preparatory seminars. His academic projects include organizing study trips and interdisciplinary research on ethno-religious dynamics in Montreal.

Boisvert’s work bridges South Asian religious traditions with contemporary social and political contexts, emphasizing ritual practices, cultural identity, and community-based heritage.