Biography

Brian Noble, BA, MA, PhD

Brian Noble is Assistant Professor in Dalhousie’s Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology.  His research combines political/social theory with community activism, and explores aboriginal-state relations by considering indigenous ownership, autonomy, and knowledge practices as they intersect with modern property regimes, and with techniques of law and governance. He works collaboratively with Piikani Blackfoot, Shushwap, Kwakwka’awakw, Mi’kmaq, and Cree communities. His current anthropological research addresses the sociopolitical conditions allowing for the rise of indigenous law and autonomy, and the modes of relationship animating recognition of indigenous land, resource, and knowledge rights in global arenas. Dr. Noble is a Co-Investigator in the SSHRC-supported MCRI project "Intellectual Property Issues in Cultural Heritage: Theory Practice, Policy, Ethics" (2008-2014), and a Co-Applicant for a proposed SSHRC community-university research project working to develop sustainable watershed management relationships between Mi’kmaq and other communities and agencies in Kespukwit’w / the Southwest Nova Biosphere Region of Nova Scotia.

Dr. Noble also has expertise in the Anthropology of Science, Technology and Museums and the politics of nature. He is completing a book Theatre of the Articulate Dinosaur: An Anthropology to be published by University of Toronto Press in 2009.