Sharlene Webkamigad

Dr. Sharlene Webkamigad, Indigenous health researcher, educator and advocate, is an Assistant Professor at Laurentian University. Her research focuses on Indigenous health, particularly in supporting aging Indigenous populations. She has led several research projects and has an academic background in Indigenous Relations, Nursing, and Geriatric Health. Dr. Webkamigad actively contributes to community-based research and consulting while being recognized through awards and publications for her dedication to Indigenous health and well-being. 

2025, Ph.D, School of Rural and Northern Health, Laurentian University 

Ph. D. Thesis Title: The Perceptions of Two Older First Nations Women with Multiple Chronic Conditions Regarding Community-Level Supports During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2017, Master of Arts Interdisciplinary Health, School of Rural and Northern Health, Laurentian University  

Masters’ Thesis Title:  Developing Dementia Health Promotion Materials for  Indigenous People in an Urban Northern Ontario Community

2013, Certificate Diabetes Education and Care Program, Cambrian College 

2009, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Laurentian University 

Assistant Professor

Department/School: School of Indigenous Relations, Faculty of Health and Education, Laurentian University 

Date of Appointment: January 1, 2024 

Assistant Professor

Division of Clinical Sciences at NOSM University (NOSM U)

Date of Appointment: September 5, 2024

Current Projects:

2025-present: Nominated Principal Applicant: Roach, P. Co-PA: Smith, K. Co-Applicants: Walker, J., O’Connell, M., Webkamigad, S. et al. Title: Co-design of Indigenous dementia Resources in Canada and AustraLia (CIRCLE): Employing an Indigenist ecological approach to improve health communication along the dementia journey. Funded by CCNA - CIHR. 

2025-present:  Nominated Principal Investigator: Walker, J. Co-PI: Merceica, E. Co-Applicants: O’Connell, M., Roach, P., Crowshoe, L., McGilton, K., Davis Hill, L., Webkamigad, S., Pilon, R. Collaborators: Smith, K., Gilchrist, L., et al. Title: Indigenous community-led innovation: A comprehensive approach to culturally safer dementia diagnosis and care. The Wholistic Brain Health Assessment Bundle Project is supported in part by funding from the Government of Canada’s New Frontiers in Research Fund (NFRF).

2024-present:  Principal Investigator: Manitowabi, J., Co-Principal Investigators: Webkamigad, S., Wemigwans, N., Land First Youth Initiative. Title: Revitalizing traditional food and medicines among First Nation youth on Mnidoo Mnising and the North Shore. Early Career Researcher fund through the Indigenous Mentorship Network of Ontario.

Previous Projects: 

2017-2025 Webkamigad, S. Ph.D. Dissertation “Wiinaadmowing etchi piitzijig enda’aat” Helping Elders where they live. Supporting Atikameksheng Anishinabek older adults with multiple chronic conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic: An Indigenous community-based participatory action research study. Funded by CCNA, CIHR, OGS  

2025 - Research Fellowship to advance Indigenous Research, Laurentian University

2020 - The Frederick Banting & Charles Best Canada Graduate Scholarship - Doctoral Award. Funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research

2015 - Quality of Life Masters Award. Jointly funded by the Alzheimer Society Research Program and the Canadian Nurses Foundation

Articles

Manitowabi, J., Webkamigad, S., Wemigwans, N., & O’Donnell, B. (Submitted for peer review, anticipated date of publication June 1, 2026 if accepted). Reclaiming Anishinaabek Kendaaswin around Traditional Foods. Brock Education Journal Special Issue: Indigenous Lifelong Learning.

Webkamigad, S., Wabegijig-Nootchtai, C., Atikameksheng Anishnawbek Health and Wellness Committee, Bourque Bearskin, R. L., Maar, M., & Walker, J. (2025). Wiinaadmowing Etchi Piitzijig Enda’aat: Helping Elders where they live – Perceptions of two female Atikameksheng Anishinabek older adults with multiple chronic conditions regarding community-level supports during the COVID-19 pandemic. International Journal of Indigenous Health, 20(2), 1-21. DOI: 10.32799/ijih.v20i1.43270  

Webkamigad, S., Cote-Meek, S., Pianosi, B., & Jacklin, K. (2020). Exploring the Appropriateness of Culturally Safe Dementia Information with Indigenous People in an Urban Northern Ontario Community. Canadian Journal on Aging / La Revue Canadienne Du Vieillissement, 39(2), 235-246. doi:10.1017/S0714980819000606    

Webkamigad, S., Rowe, R., Peltier, S., Froehlich Chow, A., McGilton, K. S., & Walker, J. D. (2020). Identifying and Understanding the Health and Social Care Needs of Indigenous Older Adults with Multiple Chronic Conditions and their Caregivers: A Scoping Review. BMC Geriatrics, 20(145), pp. 1-19. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877020-01552-5  

Webkamigad, S., Warry, W., Blind, M., & Jacklin, K. (2020). An Approach to Improve Dementia Health Literacy in Indigenous Communities. Journal of Cross-Cultural Gerontology, 35(1), pp. 69-83. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10823-019-09388-2     

Chapters in Books

Bourque Bearskin, R. L., Jakubec, S. L., Hunter-Porter, N. R., Webkamigad, S. (2025) Indigenous Health Sovereignty and First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Health Promotion. In Dames, S., Lucktar-Flude, M., & J. Tyerman (Eds). Canadian Health Promotion Throughout the Life Span, 2nd Edition. Toronto: Elsevier.