Foundation and Purpose
The Canadian Association for Latin American and Caribbean Studies (CALACS) was established in 1969 with the following objectives:
- To facilitate networking and information exchange among individuals in Canada and abroad who are engaged in teaching and research on Latin America and the Caribbean.
- To foster the expansion of information and interest in Latin America and the Caribbean, particularly within Canadian universities, colleges, and other centers of higher education.
- To represent the academic and professional interests of Canadian Latin Americanists.
Key Activities
Annual Congress
CALACS organizes a congress every year, providing a platform for scholars and researchers to present their work and exchange ideas.
Workshops and Events
The association sponsors thematic workshops and collaborates with other Canadian area studies associations to organize events.
Academic Journal
CALACS supports the publication of the Canadian Journal of Latin American and Caribbean Studies, a respected interdisciplinary periodical that has been in continuous publication since 1976.
Awards
The Association recognizes academic excellence by awarding a prize for the outstanding dissertation on Latin America and the Caribbean completed at a Canadian university.
Impact
Through these activities, CALACS plays a crucial role in advancing the study of Latin America and the Caribbean in Canada, fostering international academic collaboration, and contributing to the development of scholarship in this field.