معرفی
Dr. Leah Ferguson is a Professor in the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Saskatchewan's College of Kinesiology. Her academic work spans sport psychology, Indigenous wellness, and self-compassion research. She teaches courses including Social Behavioral Foundations of Physical Activity, Introduction to Indigenous Wellness, Research Methods in Kinesiology, and Mental Training for Sport and Physical Activity.
Dr. Ferguson's research interests focus on Indigenous athletes and sport, Indigenous Peoples' wellness, self-compassion in sport, sport psychology, and women and girls in sport and physical activity. Her work is aligned with the College of Kinesiology's research themes of Indigenous Wellness, Child and Youth Health and Development, and Human Performance. She actively explores how cultural connectedness influences physical activity among Indigenous communities and investigates the role of self-compassion in athletic performance and wellbeing.
Her publication record demonstrates a consistent research trajectory examining intersections between sport psychology, Indigenous wellness, and self-compassion. Recent work includes studies on mindfulness for coaches, cultural determinants of health among Indigenous populations, and the development of measurement tools for intersectional identities. Her research often employs qualitative methods to explore complex identity and wellness issues in sport contexts.
Dr. Ferguson serves as Principal Investigator for multiple significant research projects including 'Developing Women Athletes' Self-Compassion to Thrive in Sport' (2022-2026) and 'Supporting Community Connections: Knowledge Mobilization for the Indigenous Youth Mentorship Program in Saskatchewan' (2025-2026). She is also Co-Principal Investigator on the 'Indigenous Futurisms in Indigenous Health and Wellbeing' project (2024-2029).
Her professional affiliations include the Canadian Sport Psychology Association, Community-University Institute for Social Research Management Board, nātawihowin and mawiikikayaahk Research Networks, and the ParticipACTION Research Advisory Group (where she serves as Chair). She is a Certified Mental Performance Consultant through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology and Canadian Sport Psychology Association.
