Dr. Julie Cairnie

Biography

Julie Cairnie is a professor at the University of Guelph specializing in Southern African literature, particularly from Zimbabwe and South Africa. Her research encompasses cultural texts, the land crisis, childhood narratives in Zimbabwean literature, and Canadian Indigenous-Settler relationships, particularly in the context of postcolonial sports. Her career began at Mutorashanga Secondary School in Zimbabwe, where she combined her research interest with teaching, focusing on a curriculum that featured Zimbabwean authors such as Doris Lessing and Charles Mungoshi. Cairnie's dissertation, which became her published work 'Imperialists Broken Boots: Poor Whites Philanthropy Southern African Life Writing' (Cambridge Scholars Publishing), analyzes the role of poor whites in Southern African literature. Additionally, she co-edited 'Moving Spirit: Legacy Dambudzo Marechera 21st Century,' a multimedia collection celebrating the impact of the Zimbabwean writer Dambudzo Marechera. Her writings also address sports, notably an article titled 'Reading Running' that explores the narratives around running in Africa, emphasizing the importance of critical engagement with sports literature. Recently, her research has shifted towards understanding Canadian hockey masculinities and the intricacies of Indigenous-Settler relationships in Canada, showcasing her commitment to ethical engagement and understanding in both academic and personal realms.

Research Interests