Shirley researches areas of education, child and language development, youth engagement and suicide prevention, determinants of health, healing, cultural revitalization, climate change and food security from Arviat, Nunavut. Working with Inuit Elders over 25 years, she documents Inuit cultural knowledge. 

She is Director to Aqqiumavvik Society and the Nunavut Network Environment in Indigenous Health Research. Also, a Research Associate, Qaujigiartiit Health Research Centre; Advisor to UNICEF’s Child & Youth Wellbeing Group and the National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health. She has recently been awarded a Governor General Innovation Award for her work on Arctic Corridors and Northern Voices Research.