Conference

Conference on Global Indigenous Studies from Multiple Perspectives (CGIS)

* Now accepting proposal submissions for 2026! *

Submit a Proposal

Throughout the world, ethnic minorities and Indigenous people have strived to protect their rich heritages and linguistic characteristics against colonial powers, expanding nation-states, as well as the homogenizing forces of globalization. It is increasingly being recognized, exemplified by UNITED NATIONS' “Indigenous Languages Decade” (2022-2032) (https://en.unesco.org/idil2022-2032), that Indigenous languages and the epistemologies embedded in them are fundamental for the perseverance of biological and cultural diversities. The protection and promotion of linguistic diversity help to improve the human potential, agency, and local governance of native speakers of endangered languages, which is especially critical in the face of climate change and environmental degradation. 

The Conference on Global Indigenous Studies (CGIS) is a multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary, and transdisciplinary event that will bring together national and international scholars, educators, practitioners, students, policy makers, activists, academic institutions, Indigenous organizations, governmental and non-governmental organizations. The participants in this conference will be involved in a local and global dialogue and exchange of ideas, research, and experiences on the themes of the event.  

Follow us on Facebook for other upcoming events.

Call for Proposals

We are now accepting proposal submissions for CGIS 2026! To read the full Call for Proposals and learn more about the themes which will be presented at CGIS 2026, please visit our Call for Proposals page

The final date to submit a proposal is March 31, 2026.

Submit a Proposal

UNESCO International Decade of Indigenous Languages

The Second Conference on Global Indigenous Studies (CGIS 2026) will meet in recognition and celebration of the UNESCO International Decade of Indigenous Languages (IDIL), 2022-2032.

"The proclamation of an International Decade is a key outcome of the 2019 International Year of Indigenous Languages, for which the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) lead global efforts."

Questions?

Contact the IU Conferences at IUCONFS@iu.edu for questions about abstract submissions, conference registration and payments, acceptance and visa letters.  

Contact the Conference Organizing Committee at HLSGISN@iu.edu for questions about content of abstracts, presentations, conference agenda, etc.

Land Acknowledgement

We wish to acknowledge and honor the Indigenous communities native to this region and recognize that Indiana University Bloomington is built on Indigenous homelands and resources. We recognize the myaamiaki, Lënape, Bodwéwadmik, and saawanwa people as the past, present, and future caretakers of this land. For more information, please visit the IU First Nations Educational & Cultural Center.