Anthony Elsom

Anthony Elsom, M.A.

Anthony is a Ph.D. student in the Clinical Psychology program at the University of Manitoba. He completed his B.A. (Honours) in Psychology at the University of Regina, where his honours thesis examined the correlates of suicide ideation among Indigenous Peoples in Canada. Anthony is of Cree First Nations and British/Irish settler descent, and is a member of Paul First Nation, located in Treaty Six territory approximately 70 km west of Edmonton, Alberta. Anthony’s master thesis focused on identifying both protective and risk factors contributing to the disproportionate rates of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among Indigenous Peoples across Canada. His current dissertation explores Indigenous approaches to suicide prevention using a qualitative research methodology. The proposed two-study dissertation project aims to examine both the risk and protective factors associated with self-directed violence, as well as traditional strength-based approaches to suicide prevention within Indigenous communities. Ultimately, Anthony’s goal is to adapt and implement culturally grounded, evidence-informed mental health strategies that support Indigenous wellbeing and resilience, and to help ensure that mental health services are better designed to meet the needs of Indigenous Peoples in Canada.