Fleury, Mathew

Mathew Fleury is nēhiyawak (Plains Cree) and a proud member of one of the founding families of the Métis Nation. He has deep roots in the Red River Valley of Manitoba. An Indigenous Social Worker, community-based researcher, data scientist and public health professional, Mathew draws from his lived, academic and professional experiences to apply grassroots research and policy approaches to issues impacting Indigenous peoples. He has worked in harm reduction, mental health, accessibility, and HIV/AIDS. As a neurodivergent, queer and Two Spirited individual, Mathew recognizes the need to promote the inclusion of those who have faced marginalization. His passion for human rights and culture have earned him a new name, given by Elders in his community: Gimewan Niimi (Rain Dancer).

Following studies in psychology at Queen's University, Mathew graduated from Laurentian University's Indigenous Social Work program. He also completed studies in Molecular, Genetic and Population Health Sciences at the University of Edinburgh. In 2021, he was promoted from the role of Indigenous Harm Reduction Community Coordinator to Manager, Research and Knowledge Exchange at the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA). At the FNHA he is manages the approach, design and implementation of medium- to large-scale research initiatives. Mathew is a research associate at the BC Centre for Disease Control. He is also an instructor in the Faculty of Health and Human Services at North Island College and the School of Population and Public Health at the University of British Columbia. He is also an Adjunct Professor and PhD Candidate in the Faculty of Health Sciences at Simon Fraser University.