Leona Star

Leona Star is Cree from Thunderchild First Nation, Saskatchewan in Treaty 6 Territory. She studied at the First Nations University of Canada, worked for the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and is currently Director of Research for the First Nations Health and Social Secretariat of Manitoba (FNHSSM).

Leona is a strong advocate for First Nations self-determination and research which is grounded in the First Nations principles of OCAP®. Leona follows the First Nations Regional Health Survey model and framework to ensure the highest standards of First Nations research ethics are upheld.

She has worked collaboratively locally, regionally and nationally to ensure research and information is governed according to protocols defined by First Nations. Leona works with the FNHSSM research team to provide support to the Manitoba First Nations Ethics review committee and Health Information Research Governance Committee (HIRGC). The HIRGC reviews regional research projects to ensure the adherence to the First Nations principles of OCAP®, free prior and informed consent, and First Nations ethical principles.