Jeffrey Ansloos is a Registered Psychologist, an Associate Professor of Indigenous Health and Social Policy at the University of Toronto and holds the SSHRC Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Studies of Health, Suicide Studies, and Environmental Justice.
Suicide, notably prevalent among First Nations, Inuit, and Métis, is a leading cause of death for individuals under 44 in these groups. His project seeks to understand and mitigate the mental health impacts of environmental factors on these communities through a structural approach, involving assessing and refining Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and environmental monitoring practices. This research is crucial as it aims to bridge a significant gap in current environmental policies that fail to consider mental health ramifications, including suicide risks.
Ansloos’ research addresses the urgent issue of suicide among Indigenous communities in Canada, particularly in the context of global climate change and extractive industrialization.
By focusing on structural interventions and upstream prevention strategies, Ansloos will develop actionable policy recommendations that integrate mental health considerations into environmental policymaking processes. The findings of this work will be particularly significant for improving public health outcomes and ensuring that environmental policies are holistically developed to support the well-being of Indigenous communities, reflecting an advanced and inclusive approach to public health and policy development.
With collaboration in the CIHR-funded Network Environment for Indigenous Health Research, and as an extensive contributor to international dialogues on Indigenous rights, Ansloos is well-positioned to transform Indigenous suicide prevention and mental health.
