James Carson

James Carson is a Professor of History at Queen's University, Canada, and currently serves as Head of the School of Humanities, Languages and Social Science at Griffith University, Australia. He holds a PhD from the University of Kentucky (1996), MA from Tulane University (1992), and BA from the University of North Carolina (1990). His research focuses on Indigenous North American history, colonial encounters, and the Atlantic World, with emphasis on ethnohistorical methodologies.

Carson's work bridges academic and public scholarship, including founding the interdisciplinary journal Native South during his tenure as Associate Dean at Queen’s (2006–2011). His research explores First Nations resilience, cultural continuity, and Indigenous participation in global systems. Major publications include Searching for the Bright Path (2003) and American Exceptionalisms (2011), which critically examine Indigenous agency and national narratives.

His articles and book chapters analyze topics like Choctaw economic adaptation, colonial geographies, and Indigenous gender roles. He has held administrative roles as Department Chair (2011–2016) and contributed to initiatives promoting Indigenous studies in academia. His interdisciplinary approach integrates oral histories and material culture to challenge traditional historiographical frameworks.