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Conference Overview:

The Caribbean Research Methodologies Collective (CRM), in collaboration with the University of Belize, is proud to announce its biennial conference on Affirming Methodologies: Connections and Understandings through Indigenous and Local Ways of Knowing. This conference aims to advance, center, and affirm Caribbean epistemologies and methodologies by providing a platform for scholars, researchers, and practitioners from diverse disciplines to come together and engage in meaningful discussions, exchange ideas, and foster collaborations.

The conference will be held in collaboration with the University of Belize, a prominent academic institution committed to promoting indigenous and local knowledge in the Caribbean region. The University of Belize shares the collective's vision of embracing diverse knowledge systems and fostering connections between academia, local communities, and indigenous cultures.

Conference Themes:

Theme 1: Local Ways of Knowing - A Guide to Affirming Development Practices

This theme invites researchers to explore the interconnectedness of indigenous and local knowledge systems within the Caribbean context. We encourage submissions that shed light on how these knowledge systems foster meaningful connections and promote sustainable development, community well-being, and cultural preservation. Papers may address topics such as traditional ecological knowledge, indigenous healing practices, cultural expressions, and the role of indigenous languages in knowledge transmission.

Theme 2: Connections and Understandings through Indigenous and Local Ways of Knowing

Building upon the first theme, this theme focuses on deepening our understanding of the diverse ways in which indigenous and local knowledge systems contribute to our understanding of social, cultural, and environmental phenomena. We welcome submissions that examine the role of indigenous and local knowledge in areas such as education, governance, natural resource management, climate change adaptation, and social justice. Contributions that explore methodologies for incorporating indigenous and local ways of knowing into academic research and teaching are also encouraged.

Theme 3: The way forward - Uncovering Indigenous and Local Ways of Knowing

This theme centers on critical reflections and discussions around methodologies that affirm and value indigenous and local ways of knowing. We invite papers that critically analyze the current state of research methodologies used in Caribbean studies, with a particular focus on their alignment with Caribbean epistemologies and their potential for decolonization. Topics of interest include participatory action research, community-based research, oral history, storytelling, visual methodologies, and the ethical considerations of conducting research in Indigenous and local communities.

Presentation Formats:

To encourage interdisciplinary dialogues and diverse forms of knowledge dissemination, the conference suggests mixed presentation formats. Presentations can take the form of a 10-minute standard presentation, followed by an "Ole Talk" session where participants engage in informal discussions around the topic. Additional formats using performing arts in any form are welcome. Additionally, the conference encourages the use of visual methodologies in the Caribbean, such as visual arts, photography, and multimedia presentations, to enhance understanding and communication. The use of storytelling or any other local method is also encouraged.

Submission Guidelines:

We invite researchers, scholars, educators, practitioners, and students to submit abstracts of no more than 300 words that align with one (or more) of the conference themes. Abstracts should include a clear description of the research topic, objectives, methodology, and expected contributions. Please indicate your preferred presentation format and provide a brief biography (100 words) introducing the presenter(s).

Important Dates:

Abstract Submission Deadline: January 5, 2024

Notification of Acceptance: February 5, 2024.

Full Paper Submission Deadline: 1 May 2024

Conference Dates: 20-24 May 2024