About Waapihk Research

Waapihk was founded to answer what seemed impossible to quantify: “How much is a lost trapline worth?” Since 2015, we’ve developed thoughtful, evidence-based approaches to illuminate the impacts of systemic inequities and help inform just outcomes for Indigenous peoples.

ROOTS

Leadership grounded in experience

Waapihk is proudly led by Dr. Alain Beaudry (MA, MD, Red River Métis), Founder and CEO, a medical doctor and economist; Dr. Marin Beck (PhD), Chief Operating Officer, a political scientist; and Dr. Myo Minn Oo (MBBS, PhD), Research Director, a medical doctor and epidemiologist.

The team’s diverse expertise spans economics, medicine, political science, epidemiology, and Indigenous knowledge. Their shared commitment to meaningful, community-informed research drives our vision forward.

An expanding team of analysts and project leads

Interdisciplinary expertise and perspectives

100% Indigenous owned and led

Team

The Waapihk Leadership Team

Dr. Alain Beaudry is a Red River Métis physician and health researcher with advanced training in economics and medicine. He combines clinical experience and quantitative expertise to advance Indigenous self-determination and transform health care and education systems.

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Alain’s LinkedIn Profile

Dr. Alain Beaudry

MA, MD, Red River Métis
Founder, Chief Executive Officer

Dr. Marin Beck holds a PhD in Political Studies and specializes in Indigenous relations, feminist theory, and intersectionality. As an expert in qualitative research, her interdisciplinary perspective strengthens Waapihk’s work and commitment to community-informed inquiry.

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Marin’s LinkedIn Profile

Dr. Marin Beck

PhD, Chief Operating Officer

Dr. Myo Minn Oo holds an MBBS in Medicine and a PhD in Epidemiology, combining clinical training with advanced research expertise. He specializes in data science, implementation research, and applying innovative methods to address health disparities and real-world challenges.

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Myo's LinkedIn Profile

Dr. Myo Minn Oo

MBBS, PhD, Director of Research

Alexander holds a Master’s in Public Policy from Carleton University. His experience includes policy research for Philanthropic Foundations Canada and governance roles in Winnipeg nonprofits. His extensive work at Waapihk Research includes fiscal analysis on Jordan’s Principle and remoteness costing.

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Alexander's LinkedIn Profile

Alexander Gowriluk

MPPA, Senior Research Associate, Policy Analyst

Matthew holds a Master’s in Information Studies from the University of Toronto. Based in Montreal, he specializes in First Nations health policy, data sovereignty, and information governance, with experience across academic, corporate, and government archives and policy work.

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Matthew's LinkedIn Profile

Matthew Handscombe

MI, Research Consultant, Librarian

Bryce holds a Master’s in Gender and Development from the University of Sussex. Her work centers on environmental justice and health equity, using relationship-driven, community-led approaches informed by her experiences working in South Asia, Latin America, and across Canada.

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Bryce's LinkedIn Profile

Bryce Gallant

MA, Senior Research Associate, Qualitative Research

Ernesto holds a Master's and Ph.D. in Economics and a Master's in Peace and Conflict Studies. His research combines quantitative and qualitative methods to support evidence-based policymaking. His work spans development and health economics, political economy, and peacebuilding, with expertise in policy analysis, data interpretation, and knowledge translation.

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Ernesto's LinkedIn Profile

Dr. Ernesto Cardenas

PhD, MSc, MA, Economist, Mixed Methods Research

Interested in joining the Waapihk Research team?

Get in touch

Guided by what matters most, Waapihk aims to play a supporting role in transforming Indigenous healthcare and education systems by empowering community leaders with the information they require to shape policy and drive meaningful outcomes.

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Our Vision

A society where equitable health and education outcomes can be realized across all Indigenous communities.

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Our Purpose

To end the chronic disparities in well-being that exist between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.

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Our Promise

To support community leaders with exceptional research, analysis, and solutions that inform decision-making, enable self-governance, and drive meaningful outcomes.

PRINCIPLES

Our Core Values

Listen before we lead

Respect cultural diversity

Support self-determination

Advance equity

Data-first

Explore our team’s evidence-based research articles on Indigenous health, education, and well-being.

Read our Research Articles

In Michif, “Waapihk” means sighted – a word that speaks to clarity, vision, and the power to truly see.

Michif is a language woven from morphemes, carrying the heartbeat of “waapa–” in words that illuminate sight: Ni-waapamow – I see; kaawaapihk – vision. Through this name, we honour the wisdom of looking deeply, understanding fully, and moving forward with clarity.

TESTIMONIALS

What our clients say

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In short, I would recommend this team and their service to anyone who is attempting to model and understand a complex scenario.

– Ian Whetter,

Medical Director, Ongomiizwin Health Services

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The team at [Waapihk] was incredibly helpful in identifying key issues and provided sound policy advice based on excellent research that will continue to assist us in our future work in the region.

– Christopher Debicki,

Vice-President, Policy and Counsel, Oceans North

Past and Current Partners

Trusted by Indigenous organizations, governments, and advocacy institutions

Contact us

Let’s connect

Let’s collaborate on solutions that drive change. Whether you have questions, need further information, or want to discuss a potential project, we are here to help.

Let’s walk together

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