Call for Papers: RGS-IBG Annual International Conference 2016, London, 30 August – 2 September, 2016

Relational Approaches to Contemporary Indigenous Issues

Organizer: Cadey Korson (RELATE Center of Excellence, University of Oulu)

Sponsored by: The Developing Areas Research Group

With the formation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015, there is a renewed effort to include indigenous peoples and knowledges in international and domestic policies on poverty, health, political representation, and natural resources. The growing coalition of indigenous peoples in international and transnational institutions has led to a significant reframing of indigenous rights in economic and social policy. As a result clear strategies for the implementation and evaluation of the SDGs for indigenous peoples at national and local scales are required. The inherent complexity of interactions between indigenous peoples, policymakers, corporations, international bodies, and others lends itself to a relational approach on matters of land and resource rights, cultural diversity, and self-determination. Coombes, Gombay, Johnson, and Shaw (2011) argue that a relational approach to indigenous issues better encompasses the intricacy of multiscalar interactions between indigenous peoples and majority populations, the tensions between 'authenticity' and adaptation in identity construction and power politics, and the possibility for integrative hybrid approaches to current debates. This session invites presenters interested in discussing relational approaches to current issues facing indigenous peoples and broad themes in the status of indigenous geography.

Applicants should submit a 150-word abstract, including a title and their contact information, to Cadey Korson ([log in to unmask]) by Friday February 12th 2016.