WCHRI welcomes Tibetha Kemble (Stonechild) as academic lead of Indigenous women’s health research

Honouring distinctions and lived experiences through co-creation

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Tibetha Kemble (Stonechild) as WCHRI’s academic lead of Indigenous women’s health research.

This vital new role underscores WCHRI’s commitment to advancing health equity by ensuring research is informed by and responsive to the priorities of Indigenous women, families and communities. Kemble (Stonechild), who is nêhiyawipwâtinâhk and a registered member of the Piapot First Nation (Treaty No. 4), will collaborate closely with the WCHRI leadership team.

Kemble (Stonechild) brings a wealth of academic and leadership experience to the role. She currently serves as director of the Indigenous clinical trials unit, Indigenous project lead for the Accelerating Clinical Trials consortium in the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry at the University of Alberta. She also lectures in the Faculty of Education, where she has taught courses on Indigenous research methodologies and Indigenous Peoples’ education. Kemble (Stonechild) completed her PhD in educational policy studies at the U of A in 2022 and has significant leadership experience across the education and public service sectors.

Kemble (Stonechild) says the role will be built on four core commitments:

• Listening and relationship first: Building mutual trust through ongoing dialogue with Indigenous women, Elders and Knowledge Keepers before any research priorities are defined.
• Community-driven work: Ensuring that research is designed, governed and led by Indigenous women themselves and aligns with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), particularly the right to self-determination in health.
• Distinctions-based, intersectional understanding: Recognizing the unique, complex health realities shaped by intersecting determinants like land, culture, policy, gender and the distinct realities of First Nations, Métis and Inuit women across what is now Alberta.
• Relational stewardship and accountability: Ensure WCHRI’s structures and investments are aligned with Indigenous women’s visions of health, embedding Indigenous governance, ensuring benefit-sharing, and fostering mentorship for emerging Indigenous scholars.

“This is not a roadmap with fixed milestones,” she says. “It is a journey of co-creation. The path forward will be guided by the principle that Indigenous women are knowledge holders, rights holders and decision-makers in all matters related to their health and well-being.”

This rights-based approach creates space for Indigenous Peoples to define, lead and sustain research that upholds Indigenous laws, knowledge systems, practices and communities, ensuring that future generations inherit strong and thriving nations, she explains.

“We are thrilled to have Tibetha’s expertise and transformative vision to guide this essential area of research at WCHRI,” says executive director Sandra Davidge. “Please join us in welcoming her to the team!”