Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in the Study of the Canadian North
Professor, School for the Study of Canada
Research interests: Modern Canadian and circumpolar history; political studies; military history / war and society; and Indigenous-state relations in Canada
One of Canada’s foremost experts on Arctic history and contemporary Northern policy, Professor Lackenbauer’s research explores the evolution of Canada’s domestic strategies for the North and its international relationships with other Arctic and non-Arctic states. Together with his team, he is also investigating how northern communities have shaped, and been shaped by, different understandings of the region. Prof. Lackenbauer and his team want to shed light on the role that northern and Indigenous stakeholders should play in these discussions to better reflect community interests. Ultimately, they hope to encourage evidence-based policy-making that transcends traditional academic boundaries and disciplines and is animated by a strong commitment to social justice.
“My research throughout the Canadian North has profoundly shaped my understanding of our country and my role as a scholar. What excites me most about the CRC role is being able to offer similar opportunities to Trent students.”
Inspiring students
Prof. Lackenbauer strives to teach students to think critically, to ask good questions and to measure evidence and interpretation. He continuously mentors promising undergraduate and graduate students in advanced research techniques and considers research assistantships an integral part of his teaching responsibilities, with research assistants often co-authoring papers with him.