
In brief
Dr. Robert Henry, Métis from Prince Albert and Associate Professor in Indigenous Studies at the University of Saskatchewan, was recently awarded a Tier II Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Justice and Well-being. His internationally recognized community-led research explores Indigenous street gangs and lifestyles through the lens of “survivance”, encompassing survival, resistance, and resurgence
news. Robert employs strength- and arts-based methods, such as photovoice, digital storytelling, and body-mapping, to amplify lived experiences and support Indigenous individuals in redefining their identities beyond gang involvement. Working with organizations like STR8 UP (Saskatoon) and OPK (Winnipeg), he co-develops advisory networks and engages community members in research that informs policies addressing hyper-incarceration, addiction, and violence, ultimately aiming to enhance wellbeing and justice for Indigenous peoples.
Research interests
Indigenous criminolgy · Indigenous health and wellbeing · Indigenous urban issues · Micro-reconciliation · Photovoice · Relational accountability · Urban Indigeneity · Survivance · Community engaged research
Infrastructure
Canada Research Chair · Indigenous Justice and Wellbeing
Projects
- - Indigenous Engagement Platform and CRISM: Moving Beyond Tokenism. Canadian Institutes of Health Research (NPI) (2024-2029).
- Operating Grant: Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Misuse (CRISM) Network Coordinating Centre (Co-PI) (2024-2029).
- NPI SK NEIHR. CIHR. (PI) (2024-2029).
- NPI National Coordinating Centre-NEIHR. CIHR. (PI) (2024-2029).
- Canada Research Chair – Indigenous Justice and Wellbeing (PI) (2022-2027).
Scientific leadership and collaborative network
- - NPI and Executive Director of nātawihowin and mamawiikikayaahk· Research, Training and Mentorship Networks · Saskatchewan Network Environments of Indigenous Health Research (SK-NEIHR)
- NPI Indigenous Engagement Platform for Canadian Research Initiatives Substance Matters (IEP-CRISM)
- Lead editor of Global Indigenous Health: Reconciling the Past, Engaging the Present, Animating the Future (2018)
- Co-editor on Settler City Limits: Indigenous Resurgence and Colonial Violence in the Urban Prairie West (2019), and two forthcoming collections on Indigenous health and art and Indigenous sociology.
Publications
Professional experience
2019-Now
Associate Professor, University of Saskatchewan, SK, CA
Department of Indigenous Studies,
Canada Research Chair · Indigenous Justice and Wellbeing
CONTACT
ROBERT HENRY
rob.henry (at) usask.ca
Kirk Hall 234
University of Saskatchewan, SK, CA
See: https://artsandscience.usask.ca/profile/RHenry#ResearchAreas


