Lakehead University Invites Academics to Converge in Thunder Bay: Finn Forum IX Embraces Finland’s Connection to the World

(October 26, 2009 - Thunder Bay, ON) Lakehead University is pleased to announce that History Professor Dr. Ron Harpelle has received a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) Grant for Conferences and Workshops. The grant is valued at $20,000 and will be used to offset expenses associated with Finn Forum IX, an event that will draw academics from around the globe to Thunder Bay from May 26 - 27, 2010.

Since 1974, every forum of its sort has offered opportunities to present research within a specific thematic approach. The theme for Finn Forum IX is Finland and the World: Past, Present and Future. The call for papers has been announced and submissions should focus on Finnish history, migration, culture, and language; cultural, social and economic aspects of the Finnish Diaspora; and the country's impact on the world.

Since its inception, Finn Forum has become reputed as a premier international conference. It provides a public arena in which scholars, who work in widely dispersed locations and across diverse disciplines, come together to present the results of their research.

"The benefits of hosting this conference in Thunder Bay are two-fold," explains Dr. Harpelle. "The fact that Lakehead University and Thunder Bay have the opportunity to make their marks on an international stage for hosting such a reputable conference is very exciting. This conference also gives the academics coming from outside of Thunder Bay the opportunity to discuss their research in a city that so embraces Finnish culture and tradition. Those who visit can enjoy the much-loved Finnish landmarks that add to the subtle nuances and ambiance of our city."

Finn Forum IX also celebrates the 100th anniversary of the building of Thunder Bay's Finnish Labour Temple. The landmark's history is a reflection of the history of Finnish immigration and settlement in North America. It was completed in 1910 through the combined efforts of the Finnish-American Workers' League and the Finnish New Attempt Temperance Society. Over the last century, it has been host to political rallies, theatrical productions, concerts, motion pictures, sporting events, and festivals. The Finnish Labour Temple continues to serve Thunder Bay's Finnish community as its most important public meeting place.

Selected scholars who present at this conference will have an opportunity to publish their research. Proposals, for presentation or panel (150 word limit), alongside short C.V.s will be accepted until December 15, 2009. Additional information regarding submissions is available at http://finnishstudies.lakeheadu.ca/finnforum9/finnforum-call-for-papers.

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About Lakehead
Lakehead is a comprehensive university with a reputation for innovative programs and cutting-edge research. With a main campus located in Thunder Bay, Ontario and a campus in Orillia, Ontario, Lakehead has over 7,700 students and 2,250 faculty and staff, and is home to the west campus of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. In 2006, Research Infosource Inc. named Lakehead University Canada's Research University of the Year in the undergraduate category. For more information on Lakehead University, visit www.lakeheadu.ca