Asistant professor of history at Brown University visits OSU Libraries to discuss new book and research project

October 29, 2026

Media Contact: Jade Dudley | Coordinator, Communication Services | 405-744-7331 | jade.dudley@okstate.edu

On Sept. 29, OSU Libraries hosted Brown University assistant professor of history Linford Fisher to discuss his new book, “Stealing America: The Hidden Story of Indigenous Slavery in U.S. History.” 

In the Peggy V. Helmerich Browsing Room, students and faculty listened as Fisher spoke about the book and the research that informed it. 

Prior to the public event, Fisher visited the OSU Center for Sovereign Nations to meet with Indigenous students and faculty. He spoke with the group for more than an hour alongside Richard Boles, head of the OSU Department of History. 

“Stealing America: The Hidden Story of Indigenous Slavery in U.S. History” examines what Fisher describes as the "double stealing" of both Indigenous people and Indigenous land. Fisher argues that American history has often omitted the enslavement of Indigenous people and their experiences of unfreedom. He emphasized that these stories are essential to understanding North American history because the exploitation of Indigenous people helped facilitate European colonization of the Americas. 

Fisher also shared information about “Stolen Relations: Recovering Stories of Indigenous Enslavement in the Americas.” The project is a database that collects information about enslaved Indigenous people and demonstrates how their experiences contribute to a broader understanding of North American history. Fisher serves as the project's lead investigator. 

In addition to the database, the website includes educational resources and more than 7,000 records. Entries are searchable through four categories: People, Timeline, Map and Indigenous Voices. The Indigenous Voices section is a growing collection of interviews, videos and artwork inspired by or connected to the stories documented in the database. 

The publication of “Stealing America” marks a major milestone for Fisher and the “Stolen Relations” team. However, his visit to OSU highlighted that the work extends far beyond the publication of a single book. Fisher emphasized that uncovering and restoring this history will require years of continued research and collaboration. 

Fisher's team, working alongside Indigenous nations and community partners, has begun that process. The project also offers opportunities for students, educators and researchers to contribute. Information about research opportunities can be found in the website's "About" section and under the "Get Involved" tab. 

Those interested in learning more about Indigenous enslavement in the Americas or contributing to the project can explore the “Stolen Relations” website at https://stolenrelations.org/

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