IPY 2007-2008

The University College of the North is pleased to announce the call for papers for "Kiskisiwin: Remembering Stories and Histories", its 3rd annual Aboriginal and Northern Studies Research Conference. The conference will be held in Thompson, Manitoba from Monday, May 12 to Wednesday, May 14, 2008.

The goals of this conference are:

- to provide an opportunity for a community of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal scholars and researchers to share and advance knowledge of the history and development of the North;

- to explore the historical background and context for current issues in the North; and

- to inform and strengthen our collective incentive to promote positive change in areas affecting northern communities and peoples in Canada and throughout the world.

The organising committee invites proposals for presentations on all topics of relevance to the history of the North. It is anticipated that selected papers will be published as a compilation of conference proceedings. Proposals for both individual and panel presentations are welcome. We especially encourage presentations which express and discuss critical approaches and which demonstrate active participation in, and collaboration with, northern and Aboriginal communities and peoples. Presentations may take the form of a 20-minute paper and 10-minute questions period; performance pieces, videos and other non-traditional approaches are also encouraged.

2008 is the 100th anniversary of several milestones in the history of northern Manitoba, including adhesions to Treaty Five by several First Nations; completion of a rail line to The Pas; and construction of lighthouses at Warren’s Landing, near Norway House. Topics related to treaties and land use and to developments in northern transportation are therefore especially encouraged. Other possible areas include, but are not restricted to, indigenous research perspectives; oral histories and methodologies; social, political and cultural developments; economic and community development; indigenous knowledge; northern and Aboriginal identity; gender and queer issues; justice and conflict resolution; and health and wellness.

To be considered, an abstract or paper must be received no later than February 12, 2008.

The abstract or title page must include the name, affiliation, email address and telephone number of the principal presenter and names of co-presenters/co-authors. A brief biography of each author/presenter should be attached.

Electronic submissions, in PDF file format, should be sent as an attachment to an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Fax submissions should be sent to (204) 677-6589, attn. S. Barber.

Submissions by mail should be sent to:

S. Barber, University College of the North
504 Princeton Drive
Thompson, MB R8N 0A5

Further details and on-line registration for the conference will be available shortly at http://www.ucn.ca (2008 conference link).