Rainer Baehre

Rainer Baehre is a Professor in the Department of Historical Studies at Memorial University of Newfoundland's Grenfell Campus. His research bridges environmental, Indigenous, and colonial history, with cross-listed affiliations in Social/Cultural Studies. A graduate of York University (Ph.D.) and the University of Waterloo (M.Phil., M.A., B.A.), he focuses on Newfoundland's environmental history, the Mi'kmaq resurgence, and Upper Canada's social/political past.

Educational Background:

• Ph.D., York University
• M.Phil., University of Waterloo
• M.A., University of Waterloo
• B.A. (History), University of Waterloo

Research Interests center on the environmental history of Newfoundland's fisheries and forest industries, Indigenous decolonization efforts, and the legal/political dynamics of colonial governance in Upper Canada. His work often examines intersections between natural resources, cultural identity, and imperial policy.

Publications span maritime studies, colonialism, and Indigenous studies, with recent projects including book contracts for Woodland Echoes: A History of Newfoundland’s Forest Industries (UBC Press) and Empire and Colony: Newfoundland 1763-1832 (Memorial University Press). He is also contributing a chapter on Newfoundland forest industries to New History of Canada’s Forests.

Scientific Awards:

• Community Engagement Award (2023)

Baehre actively collaborates with the CABOX initiative on UNESCO Global Geopark development in the Bay of Islands. His work emphasizes community-based historical research and cross-disciplinary approaches to environmental and Indigenous histories.