Institute at Brown for Environment and Society

Fitzpatrick is a historian whose research examines the intersection of colonialism, Indigeneity, and environmental stewardship. Her dissertation research will explore Syilx history of coexisting with wildfire, the disruption of this way of life through colonial processes, and the environmental consequences of fire suppression. She specifically examines how the colonial forestry industry changed land use and stewardship patterns, and how Syilx Peoples adapted to the industry. The Syilx Nation is split by the USA-Canada border (the 49th parallel) and Fitzpatrick plans to examine differences in the experiences of the Syilx on both sides of this artificial division. Her planned methodology will largely rely on community-engaged oral history, and she looks forward to how the Nation will shape this project. Her project is advised by Dr. Bathsheba Demuth.