Margot W. Parkes

Dr. Margot W. Parkes is a Professor at the School of Health Sciences and Northern Medical Program at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC), where she also holds a cross-appointment. She is an Honorary Professor at the University of Otago, New Zealand. From 2009 to 2019, she held the Canada Research Chair in Health, Ecosystems and Society. Her work integrates public health, clinical medicine, and human ecology, with a focus on Indigenous-informed, ecosystem approaches to health.

• University: University of Northern British Columbia
• School: School of Health Sciences
• Department: Northern Medical Program
• Academic Rank: Professor
• Former Canada Research Chair (2009–2019)
• Honorary Professor, University of Otago, NZ

Dr. Parkes' research centers on the interconnections between land, water, ecosystems, and human health, particularly in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities. Her work emphasizes equity, sustainability, and decolonizing practices. She investigates how resource development, climate change, and watershed governance impact health and well-being through cumulative effects. Her research is deeply collaborative, community-engaged, and interdisciplinary.

The most recent articles reflect a strong trend in ecosystem approaches to health, with recurring themes of climate change, Indigenous knowledge, water governance, cumulative impacts, and community-based research. Her publications span hydrology, public health, environmental justice, and knowledge translation, demonstrating a transdisciplinary and globally relevant research program.

Scientific awards and recognitions include:

• Canada Research Chair in Health, Ecosystems and Society (2009–2019)
• Honorary Professor, Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Otago, New Zealand

Dr. Parkes has advised numerous graduate students and postdoctoral researchers across disciplines including health sciences, community health, environmental studies, and social work. She has led major funded research initiatives such as the Environment, Community, Health Observatory (ECHO) Network and the Koh-Learning in Our Watersheds program. Her grants have been supported by CIHR, SSHRC, IDRC, PHAC, and provincial foundations. She is actively involved in editorial and leadership roles, including with The Lancet Planetary Health and the Global Working Group on Waiora Planetary Health.

She leads or co-leads several key initiatives:

• Environment, Community, Health Observatory (ECHO) Network
• Canadian Community of Practice in Ecosystem Approaches to Health
• EDGE (Ecological Determinants Group on Education)
• Health Research Institute at UNBC
• Ecohealth Knowledge to Action Research Group (EKTARG)