The First Conference on Global Indigenous Studies (CGIS 2024) is a transdisciplinary event that will bring together national and international scholars, educators, practitioners, students, policy makers, activists, academic institutions, Indigenous organizations, grassroots organizations, governmental and non-governmental organizations. The participants in this conference will be involved in a local and global dialogue and exchange of ideas, research, and experiences on the themes of the event.
Across the globe, ethnic minorities and Indigenous communities have consistently strived to protect their rich cultural heritages and linguistic nuances from the influences of colonial powers, expanding nation-states, and the homogenizing impact of globalization. This collective effort is increasingly recognized, highlighted by the initiation of UNESCO’s “Indigenous Languages Decade” (2022-2032) (https://en.unesco.org/idil2022-2032). The imperative acknowledgment is that Indigenous languages, along with the intricate knowledge systems interwoven within them, stand as crucial pillars for preserving both biological and cultural diversities.
The protection and advocacy of linguistic diversity emerge as fundamental endeavors, playing a pivotal role in not only upholding cultural heritage but also in augmenting the overall potential, agency, and local governance of native speakers contending with endangered languages. This significance is accentuated, particularly in the context of the climate crisis and environmental degradation, where linguistic diversity becomes a linchpin for sustainable responses. The multifaceted role of preserving linguistic variety extends beyond cultural dimensions, serving as a key factor in addressing broader ecological, political, and social challenges. In this intricate global tapestry, the commitment to linguistic diversity becomes an essential thread weaving resilience and vitality into the fabric of diverse communities worldwide, which includes connecting with communities of non-native speakers, displaced by colonialism.
The deadline for receipt of proposals is June 15, 2024.
Proposals will be accepted only through the online submission system (https://auth.oxfordabstracts.com/?redirect=/stages/6865/submitter).
Successful proposals will clearly indicate the relationship of the presentation to the core conference topics through tagging in the online submission system. Presentations should provide an opportunity for conference participants to engage with some of the challenging and fundamental questions at the intersection of research pedagogy and praxis. Multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary, and transdisciplinary perspectives are welcome. Each proposal will be reviewed by the Proposal Review Committee, and applicants will be notified of the status of their proposals by July 15, 2024.
General Proposal Guidelines
Proposals and presentations on original scholarship are welcome in named languages such as: English, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Spanish and any Indigenous languages. However, all presentations and written work must also provide a translation to English.
Accessibility statement: We are committed to providing a welcoming and accessible conference experience for all. For questions about accessibility, please contact IUCONFS@iu.edu.
The submission of proposals will be handled through the online submission system. See below for specific guidelines on the different types of proposals.
Types of Presentations
Presentations may be made in several formats, as listed below. You must indicate the proposed format in your submission. However, the Conference Committee reserves the right to negotiate the proposed delivery format with the speaker.
Individual Papers (20 minutes)
Individual paper proposals provide an opportunity to present original contributions to the research, theory, and practice of language, literacy, and culture from interdisciplinary perspectives. Submissions should demonstrate an awareness of relevant literature, and clearly indicate the importance of the proposed topic to conference themes.
Upon acceptance, individual papers will be organized into panels of three or four by subject. Individual presenters will have 20 minutes to deliver the content of their individual papers, allowing 10 minutes at the end of all the presentations for questions and answers. Please submit an abstract of no more than 300 words.
- Name and title of the presenter, institutional affiliation, and contact information.
- Title of the proposed presentation
- Abstract (300 words)
- Indicate any A/V equipment needs for your presentation.
Panel Presentations (110 minutes)
Individuals or institutional sponsors may propose to organize a panel of presentations on a related subject, with each presenter offering a perspective on the topic. Panels may include a chair/moderator, three or four presenters, and a discussant. Each presenter will be allotted 20 minutes to deliver his/her paper, allowing 20 minutes at the end of the panel for commentary by a discussant, and 10 minutes for questions and answers.
For panel presentations, submit an abstract of no more than 1000 words that includes the required information listed below. Panel proposals must include information on all proposed participants and must indicate that they have been contacted and agree to participate. Proposals for panels must include:
- Name, title, and institutional affiliation for each additional participant.
- Role or proposed topic to be covered by each additional participant (150 words)
- Indication that all proposed participants have been contacted and have agreed to participate.
- Indicate any A/V equipment needs for your presentation.
Roundtable Discussions (60 minutes)
Individuals or institutional sponsors may propose to organize a roundtable discussion on a topic related to conference themes. Like panels, the discussants in roundtable discussions are coordinated by an organizer/moderator and offer different perspectives on the proposed topic. However, rather than focusing on the presentation of individual papers, presentation time for each discussant is limited to 5-7 minutes. Most of the session is devoted to dialogue between the discussants and the audience.
In the best roundtables, the speakers are aware of each other’s work and views, and they refute or support those views in their own talks. There is substantive interchange, as well as the chance to go in-depth very quickly. They are time-efficient and encourage audience participation in the discussion.
For roundtable discussions, submit an abstract of no more than 1000 words that includes the required information listed below. The individual submitting the proposal will be the sole contact person regarding the roundtable discussion. Proposals for roundtable discussions must also include:
- Name, title, and institutional affiliation for each additional participant.
- Role or proposed topic to be covered by each additional participant (150 words)
- Indication that all proposed participants have been contacted and have agreed to participate.
- Indicate any A/V equipment needs for your presentation.
Poster Sessions
Presenters will be allocated a time slot within the main conference venue to model through a poster exhibition. Conference participants will also be able to view displays at their leisure during session breaks, therefore the content of the poster must be self-explanatory. Materials to hang poster presentations will be provided by the conference. Presenters must deliver posters that both fit within a 4’x 6’ area and that are representative of the research proposed. Posters must also contain the name, institutional affiliation, and contact information of the authors.
The 300-word abstract should briefly describe the overall concept as well as how the visual and verbal narratives will unfold must be provided.
Interactive Workshops (60-120 minutes)
Presenters spend a short amount of time (no more than 10-minutes) on the delivery of the pedagogical concept, theory, or model, and most of the session is devoted to direct, hands-on participation by the attendees. Workshops are organized to address a theme, discussion is informal and interactive, and papers are not presented. All materials needed for the successful completion of the workshop must be provided by the presenter. Submit an abstract of 300 words describing topic, expected audience, outline, participant activities, and expected outcomes. Also, in the abstract, please state how much time is required for the workshop (60-120 minutes).
Contact the IU Conferences at IUCONFS@iu.edu for questions about abstract submissions, conference registration and payments, acceptance and visa letters.
Contact the Conference Organizing Committee at HLSINDIG@iu.edu for questions about content of abstracts, presentations, conference agenda, etc.