Call for Proposals
The conference seeks to explore the multiplicity of cultures and environments (natural, cultural, social, economic) that constitute the Pacific inhabited by the Austronesian and Papuan speaking peoples. The conference seeks to bring greater awareness and understanding of the differences and similarities of experiences that the peoples of the Pacific have of themselves, each other and their environments. The conference will also provide West Maui residents potential connections to the broader issues facing other Pacific people.
Submissions of abstracts of 300 words or less are welcome on any topic involving any area of the Pacific inhabited by Austronesian and Papuan speaking peoples. Deadline to submit proposals is April 30, 2017 although proposal review will begin January 31. The conference will be conducted in the English language. Papers addressing topics suited to the site of the conference are also welcome. Possible topics include but are not limited to: Disaster management, forestry, land mining, indigenous archaeology, agriculture, trade, fishing, coral reefs, language access, marine mammals, native title, militarism, water rights, history, nearshore water quality, genetic exploitation of natural resources, deep seabed mining, sea level rise/territorial integrity, independence movements, migration/refugees, tourism, settler colonialism
Panels are intended, as much as possible, to approach topics or themes that exist across cultures and places. Proposals submitted that would prefer to be part of an organized panel should describe the character of the panel in a paragraph after the abstract. A limited number of travel scholarships will be available for those without access to institutional or other funding with preference being given to enhancing geographical and disciplinary diversity.
The conference will occur for two full days on October 13 and 14, 2017 in Lahaina Town on the island of Maui. Meals and snacks will be provided. Lunch will include distinguished keynote speakers and there will be a lu'au with a cultural program on Friday night. If you plan to stay outside of the urban core of Lahaina town and will not be utilizing a private car, please inform us so that we may include you in our transportation coordination process.
Further conference details will follow shortly at the official conference website: http://www.westmauiconference2017.org. Registration will begin on February 15, 2017. Inquiries may be directed to the Coordinating Committee at info@westmauiconference2017.org.
Submit papers here: WestMauiConference2017.org/submit.php.