Shady Al Hafez

Shady Al Hafez is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Politics and Public Administration at Toronto Metropolitan University and an Associate with the Yellowhead Institute. He is a PhD candidate in Sociology at the University of Toronto and holds an MA in Indigenous Governance from the University of Victoria. As a registered member of Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg with Syrian heritage, his work bridges Indigenous sovereignty, colonialism studies, and migrant-Indigenous relations.

Research Focus

His scholarship examines:

• Indigenous resistance to land dispossession
• Intersections of globalization and Indigenous communities
• Religiosity in political governance
• Decolonial strategies in settler states

Publications & Themes

Recent publications explore linguistic resistance, reconciliation frameworks, and cultural identity negotiation. His work consistently addresses colonial legacies in Canada and the U.S., utilizing interdisciplinary approaches from political science, anthropology, and Indigenous studies.

Awards & Service

• SSHRC Doctoral Award (Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council)

He actively contributes to:

• Horizon Ottawa Board of Directors
• Kidjimaninan Advisory Committee (Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg)
• Government policy forums on Indigenous rights

Teaching

Current courses include:

• PAI105: Indigenous Rights, Equity/the State
• PPA404: Issues in Public Administration
• PAI107: Colonialism and Indigenous Governance