From early studies sparked by a love of history to transformative experiences working alongside Indigenous communities, Assistant Professor Colin Osmond’s path has been shaped by meaningful relationships, curiosity, and a commitment to understanding the past in ways that inform the present. Now a valued member of the UBCO community, he shares insights into his roles, teaching philosophy, research passions, and the experiences that continue to shape his work both inside and outside the classroom.
Can you tell us a bit about your educational journey? How did you come to pursue the field you are in? What led you to come to UBCO?
I didn’t start my educational journey until I was in my late twenties. I grew up in Nova Scotia, but had moved to Vancouver to pursue a job working in the film industry and decided to take some night classes at Douglas College. I had always loved history, and had some excellent profs at Douglas and later Simon Fraser, and I decided to pursue a history degree.
A pivotal part of my education came in 2013, when I had the opportunity to be part of the Tla’amin Ethnohistory Field School, where I lived in Tla’amin territory and worked with Tla’amin elders doing historical research. This convinced me that I wanted to be a community-engaged historian. I moved to Saskatchewan to work with Dr. Keith Carlson, and eventually ended up back in Halifax doing a post-doc and working with Pictou Landing First Nation. My partner is from Armstrong, B.C., and I jumped at the opportunity to come to UBCO. It has been a great place to raise my family and be part of a welcoming community of students and scholars.
Can you talk about your current role(s) at UBCO? What do you find enjoyable about them and what do you find challenging?
Having the opportunity to teach is such a privilege – and the classroom dynamic is definitely reciprocal. I learn so much from my students during in-class discussions and through their research. I teach primarily Indigenous history and the history of settler colonialism in Canada, which provides many opportunities to engage with things that are currently happening in our region and in our country. Discussing the historical roots of unfolding events is challenging, but I love to see students apply the critical thinking skills they are learning on campus to understand these complicated histories.
I am currently working on a book project with Pictou Landing First Nation to document the history of a place called A’Se’k (Boat Harbour, N.S.). This once bountiful place was destroyed by toxic waste from a local pulp mill in the 1960s, which was predicated by a century and a half of Mi’kmaw resistance to the settler colonization of this important Mi’kmaw space. It is challenging maintaining community connections when living across the country, but I have been able to do so due to gracious support and funding from UBC.
Can you describe your teaching philosophy?
The relationship between teachers and students needs to be reciprocal. Students bring so much to the table, and we have a responsibility to provide space and help them find their voice. Doing so indefinitely benefits the teacher, who can learn new ideas and teaching strategies from their students.
I also am aware that most of my students will not go on to be historians. However, every student benefits from learning the skills that historians use to understand the past (and the present). Teaching students critical thinking, forming evidence based arguments, effective writing, and research dissemination help provide students with diverse educational goals the skills they need to succeed in the academy and beyond.
What are your research interests and what do you hope to gain/solve/better understand from your research? What research projects have been most meaningful to you?
Doing community-engaged historical research is by far the most meaningful aspect of my research. Being able to have conversations with Indigenous community partners about the past and learn new perspectives on history is such a rewarding experience. The publications that come from these relationships are so much richer because of this dialogue, and I am truly indebted to my research partners for providing me with the opportunity to learn from them.
I love using historical research to answer modern questions and solve modern problems. I currently do expert witness work for court cases in British Columbia, and I find this work very meaningful as it allows me to be part of things that are reshaping our world.
What is the main thing you hope your students will take away from your classes?
I hope students will leave my classroom feeling that they have learned something new about the past – or perhaps learned a narrative that they might not have considered before – and that this gives them pause to consider the way they understand the world around them today.
What are some of your most memorable teaching moments?
I have had the privilege of teaching students from so many different parts of Canada, so listing my memorable moments might take more space that is allowed for here! My favourite teaching moments are when students come to class eager to share their research or the recent ‘rabbit hole’ they went down. Historical research is not for every student – but I love it when an interested student gets consumed by their work to the point where they have a hard time pulling away from their research. It is this curiosity that drives good research and makes good historians.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment?
Obviously getting a tenure-track job at a reputable establishment like UBC was a very proud moment, but I am most proud of the relationships I have been fortunate to build upon the way. Seeing the way that my work has contributed to other projects and to a better historical consciousness is humbling, and I am happy to have been even a small part of this process.
Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?
After years of traversing Canada (two cross-Canada moves, during a pandemic!), I hope to be sitting right here at UBCO. I am happy my two young kids are finally settled into a home and are starting their own lives here in Kelowna. Nova Scotia will always be “home” in my heart, but Kelowna sure is a great place to be.
Can you tell us something (hobbies, interests etc.) that your colleagues may not know about you?
I love being physically active. I play soccer and hockey as much as I can, and ran my first half marathon race this year. My goal is to run a full marathon next year.