Dr. Michael Hart is an assistant professor in the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Manitoba. He specializes in: Indigenous peoples, Indigenism and anti-colonialism; Indigenous ways of helping, mental health and suicide; Indigenous families and fathering; communication skills, counseling, and family practice.

On March 23, 2012, Dr. Hart will speak on "Truth and Reconciliation?: Indigenist Reflections on Mental Health Services in the Aftermath of the Residential School Era," as part of the Faculty of Medicine's 2012 Lecture Series in First Nations, Métis and Inuit Health.

Dr. Hart is interested in oppression and resistance; disparities in health and social services; and Indigenist research methodologies.

His recent publications include "Critical Reflection on an Aboriginal Approach to Social Work Practice"  in J Coates, M. Grey, & M. Yellowbird (Eds.), Indigenous Social Work around the World: Towards culturally relevant education and practice; "Indigenous knowledge and research: The míkiwáhp as a symbol for reclaiming our knowledge and ways of knowing" in First Peoples’ Child and Family Review (2007); and "Brief reflections on sharing circles and Indigenous worldviews and empowerment" in Circle Talk (2006).

Dr. Hart represented the Faculty of Social Work in the Enigok 2010-2011 Project, a joint initiative of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Manitoba, and the Foundations for Health. The goal of of the project was, among other things, to foster discussion among First Nations and academic researchers, traditional Elders, health directors, and students about Indigenous peoples' self-determination in health research.