Dr. Steven High

Biography

Steven High is an award-winning historian whose research explores themes of structural violence and deindustrialization, with a focus on Canada's pivotal role in global discussions regarding what constitutes a 'just transition.' His work employs oral history to ground interpretations in the lived experiences of working people. High has published numerous books and articles, notably 'Deindustrializing Montreal: Entangled Histories of Race, Residence, and Class' (2022) and his upcoming monograph 'Left Power: Bob Rae's NDP and the Working Class' (2025). As a founding member of Concordia University's Centre for Oral History and Digital Storytelling, he led the acclaimed 'Montreal Life Stories' project from 2005 to 2012. His extensive expertise includes methodologies and ethics in oral history, especially in relation to mass violence. In addition to his recent publications, High has co-edited several volumes, contributing significantly to the field of labor history and the historical analysis of colonialism in the Caribbean and Newfoundland. He served as the President of the Canadian Historical Association from 2021 to 2023 and continues to supervise numerous graduate students in history at Concordia University.

Research Interests

Experience