You have probably heard about OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Microsoft’s Bing Chat or Google’s Bard. They are all based on Large Language Model (LLM) architectures that produce human-like text from user prompts.
Is the Canadian Red Ensign an Extremist Symbol?
Fifty-eight years ago today, the Canadian Red Ensign ceased to be the national flag. Yet in 2022, the Ensign unexpectedly became a subject of public discussion again.
Fifty-eight years ago today, the Canadian Red Ensign ceased to be the national flag. Yet in 2022, the Ensign unexpectedly became a subject of public discussion again.
How We Misremember Free Black History at the Wilberforce Colony
Driving through the small town of Lucan, Ontario, one would have no idea that it was once the site of the free-Black settlement known as the Wilberforce Colony.
Driving through the small town of Lucan, Ontario, one would have no idea that it was once the site of the free-Black settlement known as the Wilberforce Colony.
A Woman Erased From History: The Ghosting of Rae Luckock
The ghosting of Toronto’s Rae Luckock (1893-1972) is a case study of the fate of many outspoken women, including feminists.
The ghosting of Toronto’s Rae Luckock (1893-1972) is a case study of the fate of many outspoken women, including feminists.
Body Image Activism: What’s Old Is News [Podcast]
I talk with Jenny Ellison, author of Being Fat: Women, Weight, and Feminist Activism in Canada.
I talk with Jenny Ellison, author of Being Fat: Women, Weight, and Feminist Activism in Canada.
Rethinking Program Design: The Goals and Value of a History PhD
Over the past month, members of the Canadian Historical Association’s Task Force on the Future of the PhD have contributed articles to Active History summarizing the major findings of our report.
Over the past month, members of the Canadian Historical Association’s Task Force on the Future of the PhD have contributed articles to Active History summarizing the major findings of our report.
Substance Use, Overdose Deaths, & Shared Humanity: What’s Old Is News
In this episode, I explore the history of substance use disorders and overdose deaths in Canada, which have regularly be presented through a moral lens.
In this episode, I explore the history of substance use disorders and overdose deaths in Canada, which have regularly be presented through a moral lens.
The Right Man for the Job: Gordon Lightfoot and the “Canadian Railroad Trilogy”
Canada’s 1967 centennial marked a time when both the country and Lightfoot were eager to claim their identities.
Canada’s 1967 centennial marked a time when both the country and Lightfoot were eager to claim their identities.
Should Non-Indigenous Scholars Learn Indigenous Languages? What It’s Been Like Learning Kanyen’Kéha as a Settler Historian
Learning an Indigenous language as a settler, though, is also kind of uncomfortable at times. There’s an obvious and justified sense of apprehension towards the subject in general.
Learning an Indigenous language as a settler, though, is also kind of uncomfortable at times. There’s an obvious and justified sense of apprehension towards the subject in general.
Raising Awareness About Canada’s Indian Day Schools With Digital History
Many Canadians are finally coming to terms with the truth that the Canadian government, in co-operation with Christian churches, ran a genocidal school system targeting Indigenous Peoples for more than a century.
Many Canadians are finally coming to terms with the truth that the Canadian government, in co-operation with Christian churches, ran a genocidal school system targeting Indigenous Peoples for more than a century.
Comprehensive Exams: Subject Mastery or a Kind of Academic Hazing
What is the purpose of comprehensive exams? Subject mastery? Subject knowledge? Command of the field? Broad expertise? Situating the dissertation? Preparation to teach?
What is the purpose of comprehensive exams? Subject mastery? Subject knowledge? Command of the field? Broad expertise? Situating the dissertation? Preparation to teach?
Scaling Down History: A Hobby
When I was a kid, my family would sometimes visit the model train exhibit at our local tourist office in North Bay, Ontario.
When I was a kid, my family would sometimes visit the model train exhibit at our local tourist office in North Bay, Ontario.
Cod, Culture, and Loss: Thirty Years of the Cod Moratorium in Newfoundland
Newfoundland is known for cod. The fish is often one of the first things that come to mind when thinking of the island.
Newfoundland is known for cod. The fish is often one of the first things that come to mind when thinking of the island.
History and the Atrocity of Silence
The silence of indifference, hostility, and denial that has accompanied acts of atrocity across decades to become a foundational component of intergenerational trauma.
The silence of indifference, hostility, and denial that has accompanied acts of atrocity across decades to become a foundational component of intergenerational trauma.
Epidemic at 30,000 Feet: Historical Detachment During a Pandemic
For the past 2 years, I have been living through a pandemic, while researching a historical epidemic.
For the past 2 years, I have been living through a pandemic, while researching a historical epidemic.
Ten Resources to Learn About Queer and Trans History in Canada
It’s nearing the end of Pride Month. As a non-binary, queer scholar who offers workshops on gender and queer identities, June is a busy month.
It’s nearing the end of Pride Month. As a non-binary, queer scholar who offers workshops on gender and queer identities, June is a busy month.