Mathew Fleury

doctoral student in the Faculty of Health Sciences

I am nēhiyawak (Plains Cree) and a proud member of one of the founding families of the Métis Nation, where I have deep roots in the Red River Valley of Manitoba. I draw from my own lived, academic, and professional experiences to apply grassroots research and policy approaches to issues impacting Indigenous peoples, including HIV/AIDS, harm reduction, mental health, and accessibility. As an Indigenous Social Worker, community-based researcher, data scientist, writer, and public health professional with lived and living experiences as a neurodivergent, queer, and Two-Spirited individual, I recognize the need to promote the inclusion of those who have also been faced with marginalization. My passion for human rights and culture earned him a new name, proffered by Elders in my community: Gimewan Niimi (Rain Dancer). Following studies in psychology at Queen’s University, I graduated from Laurentian University’s Indigenous social work program and completed studies in molecular, genetic and population health sciences at the University of Edinburgh. I work as the Manager of Research and Knowledge Exchange at the First Nations Health Authority where I am responsible for managing the overall approach, design, and implementation of medium to large-scale research initiatives. I am also a Research Associate at the BC Centre for Disease Control, an Adjunct Professor in the Faculty of Health Sciences at SFU, as well as an Instructor in the Faculty of Health and Human Services at North Island College and the School of Population and Public Health at the University of British Columbia. As well, I am a co-founder of the Naut sa mawt Research Institute of Psychedelic Medicine and a Member of the Two-Spirit Dry Lab.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COME TO SFU?

I chose SFU because of the university’s strong commitment to engagement through its aims to: support and mentor students; bolster academic and research excellence; nurture community connections locally and abroad; increase awareness of Indigenous history, culture and knowledges; and, address global challenges. In my role at the First Nations Health Authority, I have been fortunate to partner with faculty members and students on a variety of research projects that seek to advance health equity among Indigenous populations. I have come to sincerely appreciate the relationships that I have with the Faculty of Health Sciences, in particular, and look forward to building on these over the coming years. I feel that the university has been incredibly supportive of me thus far. I look forward to continuing to challenge myself and to learning alongside fellow change makers, visionaries and passionate problem-solvers.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR RESEARCH OR YOUR PROGRAM TO A FAMILY MEMBER?

As a health scientist, researcher, activist, artist, and storyteller, my work is incredibly interdisciplinary and experiential -- I aim to draw parallels between Indigenous methodologies, queer theory, and 'hard' science to examine the scientific and sociopolitical impacts of HIV/AIDS particularly as these relate to Indigenous Peoples. I am interested in ensuring that sciences like molecular and cellular biology, epidemiology, virology, pathogenesis, pharmacology, toxicology, immunology, and statistics altogether have direct benefits for community. By considering the impacts of positionality, reflexivity, reflection, identity, and power in producing knowledge, my research challenges the notions of othering, objectivity, and the spaces that exist between the ‘researcher’ and ‘researched’ particularly within the contexts of HIV/AIDS, harm reduction and substance use, 2SLGBTQQIA+, and Indigenous health. With research as a means of activism, resistance, and reparation, I seek to implore attention to Indigenous narrative by illuminating the efforts that communities are undertaking towards public health sovereignty while also addressing the perpetuation of HIV-related stigma, discrimination, and criminalization; the intersection of HIV/AIDS and systemic and structural racism; methodological gaps in data and reporting on HIV/AIDS; and, inequities among access to care and treatment across Canada.

WHAT ARE YOU PARTICULARLY ENJOYING ABOUT YOUR STUDIES/RESEARCH AT SFU?

SFU is a unique university in which entrepreneurial and innovative spirits are stimulated and where talent and ideas are not only respected, but also harnessed for the benefit of society. This is a university that is truly unconventional and where thinking ‘outside the box’ is embraced. I feel incredibly grateful to be part of this community.

HAVE YOU BEEN THE RECIPIENT OF ANY MAJOR OR DONOR-FUNDED AWARDS? IF SO, PLEASE TELL US WHICH ONES AND A LITTLE ABOUT HOW THE AWARDS HAVE IMPACTED YOUR STUDIES AND/OR RESEARCH.

I am a recipient of the Biagioni Indigenous Graduate Entrance Scholarship, and am immensely grateful to the Biagioni family for their ongoing generosity and kindness. The scholarship has allowed me to pursue doctoral studies without financial barriers. In addition, the mentorship and support I have received from the Faculty of Health Sciences as well as Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies have been invaluable. Ultimately, this award is a long-term investment in myself, family, and community, and will have an immense ripple effect.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PROGRAM/POSTDOC POSITION TO SOMEONE STILL SEARCHING FOR A PROGRAM OR POSTDOC POSITION?

Comprehensive, rigorous, interdisciplinary, experiential, and highly collaborative.

Contact Mathew: Mathew_Fleury@sfu.ca