Order of Canada Award Recognizes Dr. Jeffrey Reading

Dr. Jeffrey Reading is a Faculty of Health Sciences Professor at Simon Fraser University, First Nations Health Authority Chair in Heart Health and Wellness at St. Paul's Hospital and Co-Director of the CCAIHG

Dr. Jeffrey Reading, an Indigenous scholar of Mohawk ancestry with more than two decades of experience in enhancing knowledge in Indigenous health issues, both in Canada and globally. As the inaugural Scientific Director of the Institute of Aboriginal Peoples' Health at the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (2000-2008), Dr. Reading was part of a movement calling for a national advanced research agenda in the area of Indigenous Health.

On June 30, 2023 Dr. Reading was appointed as a Member of the Order of Canada (O.C.)
"For his groundbreaking contributions to Indigenous health research and for his leadership in bringing Indigenous perspectives to scientific and health institutions."

What is an Order of Canada?
"The Order of Canada is how our country honours people who make extraordinary contributions to the nation. Since its creation in 1967 - Canada's centennial year - more than 7,600 people from all sectors of society have been invested into the Order. The contributions of these trailblazers are varied, yet they have all enriched the lives of others and made a difference to this country (Governor General of Canada, 2023)."

Dr. Jeffrey Reading is a well-respected scholar and mentor providing invaluable academic guidance to peers and students within Indigenous health research. Dr. Reading is a humble advisor who has made waves within his field of research and continues to do so. 

Throughout his career, there have been several occasions where Reading's contributions have been recognized through the "C.P. Shah Alumni Award of Excellence in Public Health from the Public Health Alumni Association of the Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto in 2015. He also received the National Aboriginal Achievement Award from the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation, Canada – now known as Indspire in 2008 – and Jeff was honored to be elected an inaugural Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences in 2005. In 2002, Dr. Reading delivered the prestigious Fourth Annual Amyot lecture at Health Canada, “Global Indigenous Health Research: An Opportunity for Canadian Leadership”. (FHS)

Please check out this article written by the Faculty of Health Sciences for some more information on Dr. Jeffrey Reading career achievements and his Order of Canada award.