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AIKRN 2nd Annual Conference Heads to Ottawa in 2026   The Africa Indigenous Knowledges Research Network (AIKRN) is thrilled to announce its 2nd Annual Conference, taking place from Aug 25-27, 2026, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. This landmark event will bring together scholars, practitioners, Indigenous knowledge holders, and youth from across Africa, Canada, and beyond to engage with the theme of “Reclaiming, Revitalizing, and Re-Centering Indigenous Knowledges.” Through keynote presentations, panel discussions, and interactive workshops, participants will explore cutting-edge approaches for preserving, promoting, and mobilizing Indigenous knowledge systems in contemporary contexts. When: Aug 25-27, 2026 Where: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada The conference promises to foster cross-cultural dialogue, international collaboration, and youth leadership in Indigenous knowledge research and innovation. Registration details, travel supports, and the full program will be announced in the coming months. For further information or inquiries, please contact: ✉️ Conference@AfricaIndigenousResearch.com

AIKRN Goes Live on Channels TV We’re thrilled to share that Professor Samuel Ojo Oloruntoba and Scorah Tumwebaze, key voices in the Africa Indigenous Knowledge Research Network (AIKRN), were recently featured on Channels Television, Nigeria’s leading 24-hour news network! This exciting moment shines a spotlight on the vital work AIKRN is doing to advance Indigenous knowledge systems across Africa. Their appearance highlights our growing impact and the importance of our mission in shaping sustainable and culturally rooted development.  Watch the interview here: Click to watch Jump to: -3:38:57

AIKRN to Host June 2025 Webinar on NGOs and Indigenous Knowledge Promotion The Africa Indigenous Knowledge Research Network (AIKRN) is pleased to announce its upcoming Quarterly Webinar Series, scheduled for Monday, June 30, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM EST. This important event will spotlight the role of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in advancing and preserving Indigenous Knowledge across the African continent. Under the theme:“Non-Governmental Organizations and the Promotion of Indigenous Knowledge in Africa,”the webinar will bring together experts, researchers, and practitioners to explore the contributions of NGOs in: Documenting and disseminating African Indigenous Knowledge; Building collaborations between NGOs, local communities, and academic institutions; Influencing policy frameworks to integrate Indigenous Knowledge into national development strategies; Supporting grassroots initiatives that protect Indigenous languages, traditions, and ecological knowledge. The event will feature prominent speakers, including: Dr. Oluwabunmi Bakare-Fatungase – Project Coordinator Nerisa Kamar – Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria Patience Tusingwire – Information Africa Organization & IFLA Sub-Saharan Africa Standing Committee Principal, AICM College of Science and Technology, Kabale, Uganda The webinar aims to strengthen community-driven efforts, enhance cultural identity, and improve NGO capacity in supporting Indigenous knowledge systems. 🔗 Zoom Link: bit.ly/4kqr3BA This webinar is part of AIKRN’s ongoing efforts to promote African-centered approaches to knowledge, development, and sustainability. All interested individuals, organizations, and community stakeholders are encouraged to attend.

Introducing Our New Youth Forum: A Platform for Indigenous Innovation and Empowerment We are excited to announce the official addition of the AIKRN Youth Forum to our website — a dynamic new space dedicated to amplifying the voices and innovations of Indigenous youth across Africa. The Youth Forum envisions a continent where young people reclaim, transform, and lead with African Indigenous Knowledge. It aims to mobilize 20,000 Indigenous young women and men to co-create knowledge-led enterprises, promote cultural identity, and build solutions for inclusive and ecological development. With a strong leadership team and a mission rooted in research, advocacy, and intergenerational dialogue, the Forum serves as a platform for youth-led research, mentorship, entrepreneurship, and collaboration. It connects youth with experienced researchers to foster indigenous innovation and create access to dignified jobs. Explore the Youth Forum now and meet the passionate leaders shaping Africa’s knowledge revolution

Fourth World Journal: Call for Papers January 2026 and June 2026 Fourth World Journal: Call for Papers January 2026 and June 2026 Founded in 1984, The Fourth World Journal (SSN: 1090-5251) is a publication of the Center for World Indigenous Studies, an Indigenous-directed 501 (c) 3, organized in 1979. Special Theme: Women’s Traditional Medicine, Indigenous Knowledge, and Wisdom Ways: Bridging Theory, Clinical Practice, and Women’s Community Knowledge Issues Editors: Dina Gilio-Whitaker, MS (Colville), American Indian Studies Department, California State University San Marcos; Claudia Reyes García, MS, Escuela de Liderazgo por el Derecho de las Mujeres a la Ciudad y al Territorio; Leslie Korn, PhD, MPH, (Ashkenazi en diáspora), Center for Traditional Medicine, CWIS; Amelia (SkWumqnálqs) Marchand, MSL (Okanogan), Moses-Columbia, Palus; Chief Joseph Band of Wallowa Nez Perce, and Sinixt, Advisory Council on Historic Preservation; Melina Corona, Licenciada en Lengua, Associate Scholar, Center for World Indigenous Studies; Sandi Loytomaki, (Sámi), Traditional Healer. Submissions: We invite submissions for parts one and two of a special journal focusing on the role of women in Indigenous traditional medicine. This issue explores global perspectives, highlighting Indigenous knowledge systems’ theoretical and practical applications. It examines the intersection of Indigenous medicine, women’s health, feminist perspectives, and food sovereignty, focusing on Indigenous arts and sciences, collaborative research, and Indigenous knowledge frameworks. We especially welcome submissions that explore how women’s traditional medicine and cultural practices address the physical and mental health impacts of post-colonial trauma, including nutrition, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, domestic violence, mental distress, and food security in Indigenous and marginalized communities. We also welcome submissions that explore the intersection of traditional knowledge with environmental justice, food sovereignty, and planetary health, as well as critical analyses of traditional practices that may negatively affect Indigenous communities. We seek contributions that thoughtfully engage with the evolving role of traditional knowledge frameworks in response to the impacts of modern health systems and industrialized medicine. We welcome empirical studies, theoretical papers, case studies, community narratives, policy analyses, and creative works. Scope: This issue invites submissions on the following themes: Indigenous Healing Practices and Women: Women’s roles as knowledge keepers and healers in Indigenous medicine. Theoretical Frameworks: Feminist and Indigenous lenses in analyzing health practices and cultural continuity. Clinical Applications: Case studies and research that prioritize traditional Indigenous medicine, elevating its practices either independently or in dialogue with modern clinical approaches.” Community-Determined Research: Indigenous community-defined research and the application of Indigenous medical and healing arts and sciences, exploring diverse health topics, methods, and implementation. Submissions that emphasize collaborative efforts bridging common divides are especially encouraged.” Post Colonial Trauma and Health Sequelae: The role of traditional medicine as a strategy for resilience and resistance, and methods of healing the effects of both chronic and acute trauma and chronic disease associated with colonial development. Health, Wellness, and Traditional Ecological Knowledge: The connections between traditional medicine, ecological knowledge, and women’s health, highlighting the interplay between these critical areas. Environmental Justice and Food Sovereignty: Exploring the linkages between Indigenous women’s leadership in environmental justice, food sovereignty, and traditional medicine movements, emphasizing their vital roles in advancing sustainable change and community well-being. Feminist and Indigenous Epistemologies: The interaction between Indigenous knowledge and feminist theory, with a focus on women’s health and healing practices Book, Film, and Art Reviews: We invite critical reviews of books, films, and art exhibitions relevant to this special issue’s theme. All reviews should be between 800 and 1,200 words. Language: Submissions are received in English or Spanish and accepted papers will be translated and published in English and Spanish Language. Video Brief: Video statements from the authors, highlighting their insights and contributions, will be featured on the journal’s website to deepen engagement with their work and provide a personal connection to the research. Paper Submission Deadlines: August 1, 2025, and January 1, 2026 Publication Date: January 2026 and June 2026. Submission Requirements: Submit your article as a Word document by August 1, 2025, or January 1, 2026, including a 50-word author bio. All submissions are subject to peer review. Submission Process: Submit abstracts and full papers to fwj@cwis.org, following the Fourth World Journal submission guidelines.