Merle Massie farms part time close to Biggar, Saskatchewan. She worked on her PhD by conducting studies of northern communities local histories. Her master's degree was earned by studying the influence and effect of local history books of Saskatchewan communities. She has written of trapping and the trap line of northern communities She is a freelance writer, editor and lecturer for the University of Saskatchewan, various conferences and symposiums. Merle is married to Garth, and together they are raising two children.

"Perception, is the key. When we identify regions, we impose boundaries and create static geographies, lifecycles, and economics that really have no bearing on realty. When we define Saskatchewan as a 'prairie' province only, we allow one landscape to dominate our history, politics and culture. I'm working to change this...Maps even stopped at the treeline. - Merle Massie Delving into Saskatchewan's Identity."

Source:
Ehalte, Brett (Sept 5, 2008). "Delving into Saskatchewan's Identity". Graduate Profile 5 September 2008 On Campus News.. http://merlemassie.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/statement-of-teaching-philosophy.pdf. Retrieved 2010-11-10.

Massie, Merle. "Merle Massie A Place in History". The 100 Mile History Diet: Pursuing Local, Community, and Provincial History. http://merlemassie.wordpress.com/. Retrieved 2010-11-10.

Massie, Merle. "Trapping and Trap-line life" (pdf). http://scaa.sk.ca/ourlegacy/essays/OurLegacy_Essays_10_Massie.pdf. Retrieved 2010-11-10.

"PhD and MA Students". University of Saskatchewan. September 3, 2010. http://www.usask.ca/groups/hgsc/Students.htm. Retrieved 2010-11-10.