On-Going Event

Join Us for the 2nd Annual International Conference of the Africa Indigenous Knowledge Research Network (AIKRN)

Conference Theme: Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Transformative Wisdom: International Perspectives on Indigenous Economies, Entrepreneurship, and Sustainable Livelihoods

Dates: August  25–27, 2026

Location:

In-person : Dunton Tower 2017; Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canadaand virtual attendance available)

The Africa Indigenous Knowledge Research Network (AIKRN) will host its Second International Conference from August 25–27, 2026, at Carleton University in Ottawa. Founded in 2022 with support from the Mastercard Foundation, AIKRN connects scholars, policymakers, Indigenous knowledge holders, youth, and practitioners across approximately 40 countries to promote Indigenous knowledge and sustainable livelihoods.

Organized in partnership with First Nations University of Canada, the conference will explore the theme “Shifting Paradigms with Transformative Wise Practices: Indigenous Knowledge, Entrepreneurship, and Sustainable Livelihood in Comparative Perspectives.”

More than 200 participants from Africa, Canada, and beyond are expected to join in person and virtually. The three-day program will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, paper presentations, workshops, and exhibitions focusing on Indigenous knowledge systems, entrepreneurship and innovation, sustainable livelihoods, governance, youth and community empowerment, climate change, and global partnerships.

KEY NOTE SPEAKERS:

Victoria LaBillois

Victoria LaBillois is a Mi’gmaq entrepreneur from Listuguj in Gespe’gewa’gi recognized for advancing Indigenous business, governance, and economic reconciliation. She is Vice-Chair of the National Indigenous Economic Development Board and the first Indigenous person appointed to the board of Hydro Québec. A serial entrepreneur, she founded an excavation company and co-founded a Construction company, training and engaging more than 100 Mi’gmaq tradespeople while creating meaningful employment. She is a 2024 Indspire Award laureate in Business and Commerce, recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal, and a two-time honouree on Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women list. Read more

Yèyé-Ọba Bamidele Ademola-Olateju

Bamidele Ademola-Olateju is a distinguished Creative Writer, Thinker, Public Intellectual, Social Media Maven, Author, Digital Strategist, Political Analyst, and Politician, boasting a versatile background in Technical Communications. As the Convener of Circle of Hands, a youth development and advocacy organization, and the New Initiative For Civil Development, focusing on Civic Education and Community Organizing, Bamidele has established herself as a serial social entrepreneur and a spirited modern essayist, actively engaged in public intellection. Her high-energy keynote presentations are renowned for deploying uncommon depth, rendering abstractions tangible, and challenging audiences to scrutinize the past, contemplate the present, and envision the future. Bamidele holds postgraduate degrees in Business Administration and Computer Information Systems, having worked extensively in software development, software engineering, project management, and quality management within two top-tier Fortune 500 companies.

For in-person participants, please kindly contact the hotel for accommodation Booking Here.

For More Information and Inquiries: Email us at: conference@africaindigenousresearch.com