August 11-13, 2026
York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
4700 Keele St, North York, ON M3J 1P3
Call for Papers
The Interrogating Canadian Identities / Les identités canadienne -- une interrogation (ICI) SSHRC grant is hosting a conference to interrogate anachronistic and persistent images and ideas about Canadian identity that date back to 1967 and the celebration of Canada's hundredth anniversary. These conceptions, however, are often rooted in the historical conceptions of settler communities and this country's first one hundred and fifty-five years.
The conference is particularly interested in the continued impact of that past on contemporary views of what it means to be a Canadian, in light of changes to the Canadian population over five decades of immigration following the enactment of the Multiculturalism Policy in 1971; the Calls to Action stemming from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (2015); movements toward greater diversity, equity, and inclusion; and other shifts in the way Canadians understand their identities in the 21st century. Over the last five decades rapid change in constructions of Canadian identities have often failed to reflect historical tensions, including early conflicts with Indigenous communities, later frictions between/among settler communities, and the impacts of consecutive and various waves of immigration.
To examine the theme of Interrogating Canadian Identities / Les identités canadienne -- une interrogation (ICI), we welcome paper proposals in areas including, but not limited to:
- Canadian identities and culture
- Canadian media, policy, or representations
- Indigenous Peoples in Canada
- Canadian media history
- Diversity and inclusion in Canada
Submission Guidelines
Please submit an abstract of 250 to 300 words, along with a short bio (100 words), to https://amaclenn.apps01.yorku.ca/machform/view.php?id=8082 by June 8, 2026. Notifications of acceptance will be sent by mid-June.
The conference will be held in person from August 11 to 13, 2026, with options for hybrid participation over Zoom. For further information, please visit our website at https://www.yorku.ca/laps/research/ici/
Download a PDF copy of the Call for Papers here. A French version of the Call for Papers is available here.
Registration Details
Please check back soon for conference registration details.
Accommodations & Travel
The following accommodations and dining options are located on or near the York University Keele campus and may be convenient for conference attendees.
Hotel Accommodations
Schulich Hotel – Located onsite at the Schulich Executive Conference Centre. Ideal for easy access to the conference.
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Address: 56 Fine Arts Rd, North York, ON M3J 1P3
Phone: (416) 650-8300
Four Points by Sheraton Vaughan – Approximately 8-minute drive (20-minute walk) from York University.
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Address: 3400 Steeles Ave W, Vaughan, ON L4K 1A2
Phone: (905) 760-2120
Staybridge Suites Toronto – Vaughan South – About 10-minute drive (27-minute walk) from York University.
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Address: 3600 Steeles Ave W, Woodbridge, ON L4L 8P5
Phone: (905) 856-9600
Courtyard by Marriott Toronto Vaughan – Approximately 8-minute drive (40-minute walk) to York University.
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Address: 150 Interchange Wy, Toronto, ON L4K 5P7
Phone: (905) 660-9938
Nearby Restaurants
Schulich Executive Dining Room – Convenient for meals on campus.
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Address: 111 Ian MacDonald Blvd, North York, ON M3J 1P3
Genji Sushi – Fresh sushi and Japanese cuisine.
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Address: 2899 Steeles Ave W, North York, ON M3J 3A1
VMV's Bar & Grill – Casual dining with a variety of options.
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Address: 4207 Keele St Unit 1-2, North York, ON M3J 3T8
York University Keele Campus Map
For directions to Keele Campus from Pearson International Airport, please visit this page.
For more information, please visit the TTC website.
Contact
For more information or questions, please contact Dr. Anne F. MacLennan at amaclenn@yorku.ca.