Dr. Angela McGinnis
Indigenous Scholar Bio
My name is Dr. Angela McGinnis and I am a cisgendered, heterosexual, white-passing, land-“owning”, able-bodied, female academic and mother of one from a mixed background of white settler and (non-status) Anihšināpē (Ojibwe) and Métis roots. I am an Associate Professor in Educational Psychology at the University of Regina and I lead the Indigenous Perspectives on Life and Holistic Health (IPLHH) research cluster at the Centre on Aging and Health. My unique cultural-social identity has led me to focus on the role of cultural connectedness for Indigenous peoples’ mental health and holistic wellness. Growing up in remote Northwestern Ontario with a close relationship with the land, I strongly identify with an Indigenous perspective of the natural and more-than-human world, which is evident in my approaches to research, teaching, clinical practice, and community service. My research projects use innovative blends of quantitative, qualitative, and Indigenous methodologies to increase the relevance of my research for Indigenous communities. I also specialize in nature connectedness from an Indigenous ecological worldview and decolonized nature-based therapies, such as horticultural and equine-facilitated psychotherapies, using strengths-based, trauma-informed, and spiritually-grounded approaches.
Research Interests
My primary research interests focus on the role of cultural connectedness for Indigenous peoples’ mental health and holistic wellness. My research projects use innovative blends of quantitative, qualitative, and Indigenous methodologies to increase the relevance of my research for Indigenous communities. I specialize in conducting community-based participatory research and decolonized nature-based psychotherapy with Indigenous peoples using strengths-based, trauma-informed, and culturally-specific approaches.
Academic Qualifications
Ph.D., Clinical Psychology, Western University, London, Ontario (2009 – 2015)
Pre-Doctoral Internship, Forensic Rotation: Regina Provincial Correctional Centre, Mental Health and Addiction Services, and Child and Youth Services, Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada (2013 – 2014)
M.Sc., Clinical Psychology, Western University, London, Ontario (2007 – 2009)
B.A., Psychology (Minor in Criminology), Western University, London, Ontario (2003 – 2007)
Publications and Research Projects
Publications
McGinnis, A., & Kincaid, A. K. (Forthcoming). Walking a Common Path: Decolonizing land-based education with the more-than-human world.
McGinnis, A., Kincaid, A. K., Barrett, M. J., Ham, C., & Community Elders Research Advisory Group. (2019). Strengthening animal-human relationships as a doorway to Indigenous holistic wellness. Ecopsychology, 11(3), 162-173. https://doi.org/10.1089/eco.2019.0003
Crooks, C. V., Lapp, A., Auger, M., van der Woerd, K., Snowshoe, A., Rogers, B. J., Tsuruda, S., & Caron, C. (2018). A feasibility trial of Mental Health First Aid First Nations: Acceptability, cultural adaptation, and preliminary outcomes. American Journal of Community Psychology, 61(3-4), 459-471. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajcp.12241
Snowshoe, A., Crooks, C. V., Tremblay, P. F., & Hinson, R. E. (2017). Cultural connectedness and its relation to mental wellness for First Nations youth. Journal of Primary Prevention, 38(1), 67-86. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10935-016-0454-3
Snowshoe, A., & Starblanket, N. V. (2016). Eyininiw mistatimwak: The role of the Lac La Croix Indigenous Pony for First Nations youth mental wellness. Journal of Indigenous Wellbeing, 1(2), 60-76. https://journalindigenouswellbeing.co.nz/media/2022/01/50.43.Eyininiw-mistatimwak-The-role-of-the-Lac-La-Croix-Indigenous-Pony-for-First-Nations-youth-mental-wellness.pdf
Snowshoe, A., Crooks, C. V., Tremblay, P. F., Craig, W. M., & Hinson, R. E. (2015). Development of a cultural connectedness scale for First Nations youth. Psychological Assessment, 27(1), 249-259. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0037867
Crooks, C. V., Burleigh, D., Snowshoe, A., Lapp, A., Hughes, R. & Sisco, A. (2015). A case study of culturally relevant school-based programming for First Nations youth: Improved relationships, confidence and leadership, and school success. Advances in School Mental Health Promotion. https://doi.org/10.1080/1754730X.2015.1064775
Gillies, C., Burleigh, D., Snowshoe, A., & Werner, D. (2014). Walking in Circles: Self-location in Indigenous youth violence prevention research. First Nations Perspectives, 6(1), 5-25. https://www.mfnerc.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Walking-in-Circles.pdf
Crooks, C. V., Snowshoe, A., Chiodo, D., & Brunette-Debassige, C. (2013). Navigating between rigour and community-based research partnerships: Building the evaluation of the Uniting Our Nations health program for FNMI youth. Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health, 32(2), 13-25. https://doi.org/10.7870/cjcmh-2013-016
Featured Research Projects & Grants
(Re)Connecting animal-human relationships as a doorway to Indigenous wellness. Role: Principal Investigator. Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Indigenous Approaches to Wellness Research Catalyst Grant, Awarded $145,789 (April 2017 – March 2019).