International Conference on Indigenous Place Names

Indigenous place names are more than just objects on a map or features on a landscape.  They play a crucial role in maintaining cultural relationships innate to the language, identity, livelihoods, rights and political recognition of all Indigenous societies.

Sámi allaskuvla /Sámi University College, an Indigenous higher education institution in Sápmi (Sámiland), is hosting the first International Conference on Indigenous Place Names (ICIPN).  It is the first time Indigenous place names and place naming will be discussed from multidisciplinary perspectives and with presentations from various Indigenous societies. Sámi allaskuvla /Sámi University College extends an invitation to scholars from around the world currently working with Indigenous place names to join this first multidisciplinary conference.

The first conference will focus on political recognition of Indigenous place names which inevitably involves Indigenous languages, culture practices, resource uses, landscape classifications, educational processes, and research methods, techniques and technologies.

The aim of the conference is to provide a place for an emerging international network of scholars and researchers working to further the political recognition of Indigenous place names to exchange experiences with each other. We believe strengthening the network of scholars and researchers will enhance the quality and rigor of research on Indigenous place names both culturally and politically.

We would also appriciate to have participants from the Indigenous Australia, because we will have delegates from all continents, but not so many from Australia. Please, if possible consider your participation.