Call for Papers: Revitalizing Indigenous Languages, Cultures, Cuisines, Histories, and Religions

Conference Overview

In a rapidly globalizing world, indigenous languages, cultures, cuisines, histories, and religions are vital components of human heritage that should be revitalized, preserved, and learned. The loss of indigenous knowledge and practices poses a significant threat to the diversity, richness, and sustainability of our global heritage. The 9^th Annual International Conference on Ethnic and Religious Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding aims to bring together scholars, researchers, educators, policymakers, activists, practitioners, and indigenous communities to explore innovative approaches, share insights, and exchange knowledge on how to revitalize, preserve, and transmit indigenous languages, cultures, cuisines, histories, and religions for the benefit of present and future generations.

Conference Objectives

The goal of this conference is to provide a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue, knowledge sharing, and collaboration among researchers, educators, activists, policymakers, practitioners, and indigenous communities. This conference seeks to explore and develop innovative strategies, best practices, and transformative approaches to address the challenges faced in revitalizing, preserving, and transmitting indigenous languages, cultures, cuisines, histories, and religions.

Conference Themes

We invite scholars and practitioners to submit original research papers, case studies, theoretical discussions, methodological approaches, lessons learned and best practices that align with, but are not limited to, the following themes:

1) Language Revitalization and Preservation:

• Indigenous language documentation and revitalization efforts.
• Language policies and their impact on indigenous communities.
• Language preservation and the use of technology.
• Indigenous language education and curriculum development.

2) Cultural Heritage and Practices:

• Preservation and transmission of traditional knowledge and practices.
• The role of art, music, and storytelling in preserving indigenous culture.
• Indigenous identity and cultural resurgence.
• Challenges and opportunities in safeguarding intangible cultural heritage.

3) Indigenous Cuisines and Food Sovereignty:

• Cultural significance of indigenous foods and culinary practices.
• Culinary heritage, traditional food systems, and consumption practices.
• Food sovereignty and its connection to land and cultural rights.
• Challenges and innovations in promoting indigenous foods.

4) Rediscovering Indigenous Histories:

• Reinterpretation of indigenous history from an indigenous perspective.
• The impact of colonization on indigenous historical narratives.
• Unearthing hidden histories and untold stories of indigenous communities.
• Integrating indigenous histories into mainstream education.

5) Indigenous Religions and Spirituality:

• The role of indigenous religions in maintaining cultural continuity.
• Sacred sites, rituals, ceremonies, herbal medicines, and their preservation.
• Indigenous spirituality and well-being in contemporary contexts.
• Intersections between indigenous religions and contemporary belief systems.

Proposal Submission Guidelines

All submissions will undergo a peer-review process. Papers should adhere to the conference’s academic standards and formatting guidelines, as stated below.

1. Abstracts should be a maximum of 300 words and clearly state the objective(s), methodology, findings, and implications of the study. Authors can send their 300 word abstract before submitting the final draft of their paper for peer review.
2. Full papers should be between 5,000 and 7,000 words, including references, tables, and figures, and follow the formatting guidelines below.
3. All submissions must be typed double-spaced in MS Word using Times New Roman, 12 pt.
4. If you can, please use the APA Style for your citations and references. If that is not possible for you, other academic writing styles are accepted.
5. Please identify a minimum of 4, and a maximum of 7, keywords reflecting the title of your paper.
6. At the moment, we are accepting proposals written in English only. If English is not your native language, please have a native English speaker review your paper before submission.
7. All submissions must be in English and should be submitted electronically through the conference proposal submission web page or by email: conference@icermediation.org . Please indicate “2024 Annual International Conference” in the subject line.

Submissions should include the following information:

• Title of the paper
• Name(s) of the author(s)
• Affiliation(s) and contact details
• Brief biography of the author(s) (up to 150 words)

Important Dates

• Abstract Submission Deadline: March 31, 2024. International presenters who need a visa to come to the United States must submit their abstracts before March 31, 2024 for early processing of travel documents.
• Notification of Abstract Acceptance: April 30, 2024
• Full Paper and PowerPoint Submission Deadline: August 31, 2024. The final draft of your paper will be peer reviewed for a journal publication consideration. 
• Conference Dates: September 24-26, 2024

Conference Venue

The conference will take place in New York City, the melting pot of the world and the most diverse city on earth.

Keynote Speakers

We are delighted to announce the participation of eminent scholars, policymakers, indigenous leaders, and activists. Their keynotes will provide valuable insights and perspectives to inspire conference discussions.

Publication Opportunities

Selected papers from the conference will be considered for publication in a special issue of our academic journal, the Journal of Living Together. The Journal of Living Together is a peer-reviewed academic journal that publishes a collection of articles that reflect various aspects of peace and conflict studies.

Join Us in Revitalizing Indigenous Heritage

The 9^th Annual International Conference on Ethnic and Religious Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding offers a unique platform to engage in meaningful discussions, share experiences, and collaboratively work towards preserving and revitalizing indigenous languages, cultures, cuisines, histories, and religions. We encourage scholars, researchers, educators, policymakers, activists, practitioners, and indigenous peoples from diverse backgrounds and countries to participate in this significant event.

Registration and Contact Information 

For registration details, conference updates, and further information, please visit the 2024 conference registration page. For inquiries, please contact the conference secretariat at: conference@icermediation.org .

We look forward to your active participation in this important academic event as well as your valuable contributions towards revitalizing indigenous languages, cultures, cuisines, histories, and religions.