Cash Ahenakew

Cash Ahenakew serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Educational Studies within the Faculty of Education at the University of British Columbia. He holds the prestigious position of Canada Research Chair in Indigenous People's Well-Being, focusing on decolonizing health-related research, practices, and education while revitalizing Indigenous health practices.

Dr. Ahenakew's research centers on understanding how local Indigenous knowledges and practices can inform the resurgence of Indigenous wisdom, knowledge, education, well-being, and healing practices. His work emphasizes Indigenous theories, curriculum development, pedagogies, and mixed methodologies that address complexities at the interface of knowledges, education, methodology, and ceremony. He brings together a network of Indigenous and non-Indigenous academics and health practitioners from six countries to advance community-based participatory research and collaborative inquiry along with trauma-informed education.

His research aims to develop high-quality, culture-centered, trauma-informed approaches by integrating Indigenous healing practices and land-based orientations with contemplative practices and bodywork, contributing to healing and well-being approaches. This work is foundational to the revitalization of relationships and reconciliation of institutions.

• Canada Research Chair in Indigenous People's Well-Being

As Canada Research Chair, Dr. Ahenakew leads collaborative research initiatives focused on decolonizing health research and education. His work involves building networks across six countries with Indigenous and non-Indigenous academics and health practitioners to advance community-based participatory research. He emphasizes trauma-informed education and the integration of Indigenous healing practices with contemplative approaches to contribute to Indigenous well-being.