Carolyn Podruchny

I am an historian of Aboriginal and French relations and Metis history in early North American history, specializing in fur trade encounters, systems of communication, and identity formation. My first book charts the world of French Canadian voyageurs in the Montreal-based fur trade, and my current projects explore the blending of French Canadian, Ojibwe and Cree narratives in the guise of fur trade stories and the French-Saulteaux dictionary compiled by Roman Catholic missionary Georges-Antoine Belcourt in the mid-19th century. I teach courses on early Canadian and Aboriginal history, as well as historical methodology.

In 2019, Carolyn received the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario's Heritage Award for Excellence in Conservation for the Manitoulin Island Summer Historical Institute (MISHI) — a seven-day summer program promoting dialogue between Anishinaabe elders and knowledge carriers with university scholars and students. The institute examines Anishinaabe worldviews through multidisciplinary perspectives on clans, generations, and interconnectedness.

The award, presented at Queen's Park by Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth Dowdeswell, recognized MISHI for creating "opportunities for Anishinaabe Elders and knowledge-carriers to teach university faculty and students," celebrating and preserving cultural heritage. Pictured with Gilberto Fernandes and Dr. Thabit Abdullah.