AIKRN 2nd Annual Conference Heads to Ottawa in 2026
June 4, 2026
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GLOBAL LEADERS AND SCHOLARS TO CONVERGE FOR THE 2ND INTERNATIONAL INDIGENOUS RESEARCH CONFERENCE IN OTTAWA OTTAWA, CANADA — As the
GLOBAL LEADERS AND SCHOLARS TO CONVERGE FOR THE 2ND INTERNATIONAL INDIGENOUS RESEARCH CONFERENCE IN OTTAWA
OTTAWA, CANADA — As the limitations of Western-centric development paradigms become increasingly evident in the face of escalating global crises, the Africa Indigenous Research Network (AIRN) has announced its landmark 2nd International Conference.
Scheduled to run from August 25 to August 27, 2026, the hybrid event will confront issues of climate change, systemic inequality, and youth unemployment by centering a critical alternative: Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS).
This year’s central theme, “Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Transformative Wisdom: International Perspectives on Indigenous Economies, Entrepreneurship, and Sustainable Livelihood,” aims to bridge the gap between ancient wisdom and modern policy. By bringing together global scholars, policymakers, youth leaders, and Indigenous Knowledge holders, the conference will explore how traditional ways of being, knowing, and doing can reshape resilient global economies.
Reimagining Global Development
According to the organizers, dominant global frameworks frequently marginalize IKS despite its proven potential for environmental stewardship and community care.
“By neglecting the rich values, sophisticated wisdom, techniques, and technologies inherent in Indigenous Knowledges, the world continues to operate within a system that reproduces domination and exclusion,” the network stated in its briefing. “This conference calls for an intentional paradigm shift—one that recenters marginalized voices to build decolonized, holistic models of well-being.”
With a distinct comparative lens focusing on Africa, Canada, and global Indigenous communities, the three-day event will feature a mix of peer-reviewed academic papers, community-led case studies, and interdisciplinary presentations. Attendees will also have access to an onsite Indigenous Makers Market, showcasing authentic products from local Indigenous artisans.
Key Conference Themes
The three-day forum will explore a diverse range of critical topics organized across four key strategic areas:
1. Epistemology, Decolonization, and Culture
Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Comparative Epistemologies
Postcolonialism and Indigenous Knowledge Systems
Indigenous Wise Practices: Comparative Perspectives
Decolonizing Development and the Role of Traditional Institutions
Diaspora, Identity, and Transnational Indigenous Knowledge Exchange
2. Indigenous Economies and Enterprise
Indigenous Economies and Transformation in Postcolonial Societies
Entrepreneurship and Livelihood Strategies in Indigenous Communities
The Epistemological Bases of Indigenous Entrepreneurship
Indigeneity and Neo-Capitalist Economic Practices
3. Climate, Sustainability, and Innovation
Climate Change Adaptation and Environmental Stewardship
Wise Practices in Health, Food Systems, and Cultural Heritage
Innovation and Indigenous Technologies
Policy, Governance, and Rights-Based Approaches
4. Youth, Women, and Intergenerational Knowledge
Youth and Indigenous Entrepreneurship
Women, Youth, and Intergenerational Knowledge Transmission
Event Logistics and Participation
The event will be hosted in a hybrid format, allowing for simultaneous physical and virtual participation to ensure inclusive, global access. The primary language of the conference is English, with simultaneous translation tentatively planned for key sessions.
For academics and researchers, selected papers from the event will be considered for publication in a peer-reviewed edited volume, as well as special journal issues of RUTA: The Journal of African Indigenous Knowledge and Research.
Delegate Accommodation
In-person participants traveling to Ottawa are encouraged to contact these local partner hotels directly for bookings:
Courtyard Marriott Hotel, Ottawa
Delta Hotels Ottawa City Centre
Best Western Plus, Ottawa
Holiday Inn, Ottawa Downtown
Media, Support, and Sponsorship Inquiries:
Organizations interested in sponsoring or donating to this event are invited to contact the organizing committee via email at AIKRN2026@africaindigenousresearch.com.
