The Canadian Academy of Health Sciences (CAHS) announced its 2026 Emerging Leaders in Health Sciences on August 11, with Tricia McGuire-Adams, Associate Professor and Tier II Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Health Resurgence in the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education (KPE), among the five selected for the national honour.
The national recognition celebrates five emerging leaders whose research, innovation and leadership are helping shape the future of health sciences in Canada. The award recognizes researchers whose talent and dedication are contributing meaningfully to their respective fields and to the broader health sciences community. “The selection of these Emerging Leaders is a testament to their talent, dedication, and growing impact within their respective fields,” says Jan Sargeant, President of the CAHS.
An Anishinaabekwe from Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek, Professor McGuire-Adams is recognized nationally and internationally for her research on Indigenous resurgence practices related to health, well-being and physical activity.
Through community-engaged and interdisciplinary research that integrates Indigenous knowledge systems, relational approaches to health and Indigenous research methodologies, she contributes to community-driven evidence to improve the health and well-being of Indigenous peoples.
“Advancing Indigenous Health Resurgence by centering Indigenous knowledge systems and practices of physical activity is my primary goal,” says Professor McGuire-Adams. “I am excited to bring my perspectives and in collaboration with CAHS at the national level.”
Her research is grounded in community partnerships, with an extensive network spanning Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities and academic institutions.
“By working with smaller local community organizations and larger academic institutions, she is able to have a direct positive impact on people's lives while also creating the conditions in other universities and learned societies that should lead to continued growth in this area for the foreseeable future," says Tim Welsh, Professor of Cognitive & Neural Motor Behaviour and Associate Dean, Research at KPE.
Professor Welsh also underscored the broader impact of KPE research, particularly its contribution to improving people’s health and well-being. “The knowledge generation and translation activities of researchers in KPE continue to have positive impacts on people's health and well-being,” he says.
KPE Dean Gretchen Kerr says McGuire-Adams’ selection is “a testament to the exceptional quality of her scholarship, her leadership within the research community, and the meaningful contributions her work is making to improving health and well-being.”
“This achievement brings great distinction to both Professor McGuire-Adams and our Faculty,” adds Kerr. “We are immensely proud of this well-deserved honour.”
McGuire-Adams’ recognition as a 2026 Emerging Leader in Health Sciences reflects the growing influence of her community-engaged scholarship and its contribution to advancing Indigenous health and well-being.
“The selection of Professor McGuire-Adams as an Emerging Leader in the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences recognizes the significant contributions she has made, and will continue to make, in Indigenous health and well-being,” says Welsh.