Valentin Mercier

Background

About Valentin Mercier

I currently serve as a Client Relations Representative at Waapihk Research, an Indigenous-owned firm specializing in Health and Education Economics. My role focuses on expanding Waapihk’s presence in Eastern Canada and creating meaningful opportunities to support Indigenous organizations across the country. We deliver evidence-based report that strengthen our clients’ funding strategies through services such as Community Health Profile,Economic Analysis & Budgetary Planning and Education policy analysis & costing. This work supports my commitment to building systems that reflect the strengths, address the needs, and uphold the sovereignty of Indigenous Peoples through research, advocacy, and evidence-based approaches. Prior to joining Waapihk, I gained extensive experience in community-driven projects. As a Project Coordinator at Fusion Jeunesse, I managed budgets, built partnerships, organized large-scale events, and supported projects within the Cree community in Northern Quebec. I later interned at FoodShare Toronto, leading the development of a weekly farmers' market and contributing to annual reporting and educational programming on local food systems. My passion for community development and social equity has shaped my academic and professional journey. I hold a Master’s degree in Population and Development Science from the Université Libre de Bruxelles, where my research focused on alternative food systems and their role in improving food accessibility in disadvantaged neighborhoods in Toronto.