Canada and Russia are the two largest federal states in the world and they are both continually under stress from populations within their borders that wish to have greater control over their own affairs. By definition, federations are systems of government in which unified states remain independent over some internal affairs. The Prince George conference from October 2-5 will bring together Canadian and Russian experts in the field.

"The central question we wish to address is this: how can we recognize the governing aspirations of indigenous peoples and national minorities while continuing to respect the ideals of federalism, human rights, and the idea that we're stronger together than apart? Our presenters and the workshop will all focus on answering that question," says organizer Michel Bouchard of the UNBC Anthropology program.

Researchers and policy-makers from the Komi Republic in Russia will be sharing their experiences. Attendees will include the former head of the Russian Ministry for Nationality Policy and university researchers.

Presenters will also include Canadian researchers Michael Asch (treaty rights), Louis-Jacques Dorais (Inuit ethnography), Will Kymlicka (liberal democracy), and Frances Abele (aboriginal governance and federalism).

"In an effort to make this issue relevant for communities, the final day of the conference will feature a workshop on applying principles locally," says Jim McDonald, Chair of Anthropology at UNBC. "Northern BC aboriginal leaders will be identifying their self-governance issues, leading to a broader discussion of local priorities and strategies."

The conference will be held at UNBC and is being funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. A detailed agenda is available by clicking here.