Cindy Peltier
Since July 2016, Dr. Cindy Peltier has been Chair of Indigenous Education at Nipissing University’s Schulich School of Education. Prior to accepting this position, she served Indigenous communities as a post-doctoral fellow at the Centre for Research in Rural and Northern Health at Laurentian University and held a host of roles in Indigenous education including teacher, principal, and research consultant. Dr. Peltier is Principal Investigator on a CIHR Indigenous Approaches to Wellness Catalyst Grant centered on Wiidooktaadyang, an Anishinaabemowin term meaning "we are helping each other." From a relational approach, this research explores how Indigenous peoples living understand and experience wellness and what is perceived as the “appropriate kind of help.” This exploration will inform a shared service model developed by Nipissing First Nation. Through her work, Dr. Peltier uses Indigenous inquiry to privilege Indigenous voices and methodologies with an aim to impact practice, service delivery, and policy. Dr. Peltier’s work also includes leading a Nipissing University team in their work with the CIHR funded Indigenous Mentorship Network Program. Cindy’s current research interests include the intersections of wellness, education and related Indigenous concepts such as mno bimaadiziwin (way of a good life), and wiidooktaadyang (we are helping each other); lived experiences of Anishinaabek with cancer and use of Indigenous healing; and Indigenous community-based research methodologies. Cindy is Anishinaabe-kwe with connections to Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory and Nbisiing (Nipissing First Nation) where she lives with her husband Blair and son Colin.
Institution: Nipissing
Contact: cindyp@nipissingu.ca
