Dal welcomes anthropologists from across North America

This week, anthropologists in Dalhousie’s Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology are hosting the 2016 CASCA & SANA Conference, a joint meeting between the Canadian Anthropology Society and the Society for the Anthropology of North America.

This conference, which takes place May 11-15, will welcome about 350 registered participants, many from across Canada plus a number from the United States, Mexico, Brazil, Italy, Argentina, France and more.

The theme of the bilingual conference is “Soladarit(i)és,” an idea that has long preoccupied anthropology. The conference’s events and meetings will center around how anthropological engagements with solidarity – the principle of shared responsibilities, identities, and interests – have shaped anthropologists’ thinking about the social worlds in which they do their work. The theme is timely given national and global affairs, because solidarities are a response to situations that place human lives and dignity in peril.

“Hosting an international conference here at Dal raises the profile of anthropology -- and what we do -- in Halifax and the region,” says Lindsay DuBois, associate professor of social anthropology at Dal and one of the conference coordinators.

“The theme of solidarities has generated a lot of enthusiasm and exciting contributions from our participants. It is also a great fit for our department because of the strong social commitments both within the university and beyond. In this way, the theme helps our colleagues across the country, as well as further afield, understand our particular strengths.”

Understanding problems in cultural contexts

The conference will celebrate diversity in our societies, including events focusing on gender, health, Acadian communities and Indigenous-Settler relations, to name a few. The conference kicks of Wednesday evening with an opening reception featuring a performance by the All Nations Drum group.

Also Wednesday evening is a free public talk by Annette Leibing (University of Montreal, left) titled "Aging in times of Alzheimer’s: Tales of change, culture, and solidarities." All are welcome to attend the lecture, which will be held in Paul O’Regan Hall at the Halifax Central Library at 6:30 p.m.

“One of the great things about anthropology is that it helps us see how the problems we face are handled in different cultural contexts,” says Dr. DuBois.  “For example, Dr. Leibing studies how Brazilians think about and treat people living with Alzheimer’s. Her work offers us a fresh perspective on what it means to care for an aging population.  It helps us understand what we Canadians do well, and where we can improve.” 

Additionally, Janice Graham, cross-appointed professor in Dal’s Departments of Pediatrics and Sociology and Social Anthropology and winner of the Weaver-Tremblay Canadian Award for anthropology, will deliver a lecture this Friday at 5 p.m. in the Scotiabank Auditorium of the Marion McCain Arts and Social Sciences Building.

Visit the conference website for the full details and program.