Critical Reflection of Individual Lives: Biography and Canada

In this podcast episode, Greg Marchildon speaks with P. Whitney Lackenbauer about his book People, Politics, and Purpose: Biography and Canadian Political History published by University of British Columbia Press in 2023 and co-edited by the late Greg Donaghy. People, Politics and Purpose presents a collection of micro-biographies on key figures—including lumberjacks, prime ministers, and Indigenous leaders—to reflect on Canada’s political history. These rich histories of individual lives have been compiled by the contributors of this collection to address broad historical questions while presenting critical reflections on the dynamics of Canadian politics and society. Further, this illustrative collection provides insights into Canada’s place in the world and stimulates fresh thinking about political history. P. Whitney Lackenbauer is a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in the Study of the Canadian North and a Professor in the School for the Study of Canada and the Department of History at Trent University. Whitney specializes in Arctic security, sovereignty and governance issues, modern Canadian military and diplomatic history, and Indigenous-state relations. This podcast was produced by Jessica Schmidt. Image Credit: Gar Lunney/Library and Archives Canada/PA-188614 If you like our work, please consider supporting it: bit.ly/support_WTY. Your support contributes to the Champlain Society’s mission of opening new windows to directly explore and experience Canada’s past.