Lyndsie Bourgon

I'm an author, oral historian, National Geographic Explorer, and fellow of the Explorers Club and Royal Canadian Geographical Society. My work focuses on environmental oral history, with a particular focus on working class and community experiences of conservation, deindustrialization, and community land management. My first book, Tree Thieves: Crime and Survival in North America's Woods, relied on oral histories from tree poachers with family history in the Pacific Northwest's logging industry, and was a New York Times Editors' Choice. I have also worked as an oral historian for organizations including Tk'emlups te Secwepemc, the Secwepemc Museum and Heritage Park, and Know History.

Experience

I have a Bachelors of Journalism from the University of King's College, and an MLitt Environmental History from the University of St Andrews. I have been working as an oral historian since 2017, when I completed my first project on the Shetland Islands. I have since worked as an oral historian with the Tk'emlups te Secwepemc band council and museum (2017-2019), independently and for the National Geographic Society (2019-present), and at historical services firm Know History (2023-present).

Services

Interviewing, transcription, outreach, data management, archiving, report writing, training.

Languages

Regions Available for Work

Other Regions: British Columbia|| Nova Scotia|| Canada|| Scotland

Specialty

My work's mission is to expand our understanding of environmentalism, conservation, work, identity, and community through oral history. I have a particular interest in Scottish environmental history and oral traditions, and the focus of my current research is on crofting history, land ownership, and historic reparations for land appropriation. My work in North America is focused on Indigenous and Metis oral histories of land use, and experiences of former logging communities.

Purpose of Contact

  • I am available to answer questions, or provide mentorship to other oral historians
  • I am available for hire - as an oral historian, consultant, presenter, educator, or related services
  • I am available to collaborate - on research, community projects, artistic endeavors, or other joint undertakings with peers
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