September 2024 Communiqué

Federation news

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Recently, the Federation staff had the honour to engage with Elder Vince Kicknosway and Traditional Helper Elaine Kicknosway as part of the Kairos Blanket Exercise, an interactive education program grounded in Indigenous methodologies, designed to promote understanding of the history and impact of colonization on Indigenous peoples in Canada. As we observe National Day for Truth and Reconciliation this coming September 30, we invite you to participate, interact, and learn more about the Kairos Blanket Exercise and engage in vital conversations about Truth and Reconciliation by exploring Indigenous Organizations in Canada via the Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition’s website.  

Exploring additional resources like the Native Land map is another step towards better understanding the territories we live and work in. Explore the map.


Canadian Association for Graduate Studies Conference

Join the Federation at the Canadian Association for Graduate Studies’ 62nd Annual Conference to explore 'Graduate Education in an Age of Uncertainty: Challenges and Opportunities' in Toronto from October 29 to November 1.  Take part in a workshop on ‘Competencies Required to Advance Social Innovation’ alongside The/La Collaborative and Federation President and CEO, Karine Morin and hear a lighting talk from Board Chair Annie Pilote on ‘Acteurs du changement sociétal : l’impact de la formation en recherche’. Learn more and register.


Nominations to the Governor General's Innovation Awards

The Federation has been invited to nominate outstanding candidates from our community for the 2025 GGIAs. Complete the recommendation form before midnight today and recognize innovators in your organization. Learn more and complete the form.


Canadian Symposium of Scholarly Journals

From the emergence of digital publication to the rise of open access, scholarly communications have undergone deep and far-reaching change in the last 30 years. This community event aims to gather journal team members from across Canada to share their experiences and challenges in the current, fast-changing environment. The Canadian Symposium of Scholarly Journals, hosted by Coalition Publica in partnership with the Federation, will take place virtually on Thursday, November 14 at 13:00 ET.  Stay tuned for a registration announcement in October to reserve your place.


Abstract management for Federation associations

Join the Canadian Historical Association, the Canadian Sociological Association, and many more in the use of our newest member-exclusive service! The Federation’s abstract management software is a fantastic solution for any association that wants to promote, receive, review, and send approvals of abstract submissions to its members for their next conference or academic journal at a lower cost than its competitors. Find out more or attend a demonstration.


The Big Thinking Podcast returns this autumn

Your source for the brightest insights on today’s biggest questions is back. Our new host Karine Morin will be joined by an expert panel of guests to unpack today’s complex challenges and emerging opportunities. New episodes air this October. In the meantime, browse any episode you might have missed. Listen now.


Congress news

Planning Meeting at George Brown College

October 1 marks the official start of the Congress 2025 planning cycle! Representatives from member associations will gather at George Brown College to explore the campus and begin the process of Congress conference planning. Follow us @federation_hss for more updates as the planning cycle unfolds.


Congress planning task force

7 associations have met with the Federation to discuss what immediate improvements can be made for Congress 2025 and determine additional ways the Federation can support associations as they plan their conference for Congress 2025. Big takeaways so far are encouraging more opportunities for associations to collaborate, assistance with applications towards alternative forms of funding, tools for communicating the value proposition of the Federation to associations' members and more.


HSS Community News

Indigenous Literary Studies Association writing circle – ILSA is hosting a series of monthly online writing and professionalization workshops, with support from the Federation's EDID Initiatives Fund. You can view past workshops by visiting their Resources page. The next writing circle will take place October 8, 2024, from 13:00 to 14:30 ET. Register now.

Meet the HSS Commons – The Canadian Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) Commons is an in-development, multilingual academic social networking site that connects and supports the work of HSS researchers. It provides a free space for researchers to share work openly, plus the infrastructure to collaborate with others. Research communities, journals, academic societies in the Federation, and others can also set up groups to communicate with members and the public, share files, promote events, and more! In addition, the Commons is actively inviting feedback on what they can do better—sign up and get in touch. Learn more.

Experts on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – The University of Victoria has made the pledge of ʔetalnəw̓əl̓ | ÁTOL,NEUEL | Respecting the rights of one another and being in right relationship with all things, and is committed to implementing local, national and international responsibilities that support the rights and sovereignties of Indigenous Peoples. Read more.

Tri-agency Research Training Strategy – As part of its priority to advance research training, the Canada Research Coordinating Committee tasked the three federal funding agencies (CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC) with the development of a Tri-agency Research Training Strategy to deliver an equitable, inclusive, accessible and effective suite of scholarships and fellowships that help support and prepare a diverse population for careers requiring strong research skills in all sectors of society. Read more.

Considerations for Research Strategy – The Canada Foundation for Innovation published "Considerations for a Roadmap for Research in Canada” to reflect and agree on the principles and priorities, the process and the possibilities that must be included in a strategic plan for research in Canada. Read more.

SSHRC, CIHR, and Michael Smith Health Research BC announce upcoming launch of a new joint initiative regarding research on research – The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), and Michael Smith Health Research BC announced the upcoming launch of a new joint initiative as part of ongoing efforts to support research on research (also known as meta-research) in the Canadian context. This joint initiative launches today, and the deadline to apply will be February 20, 2025. Read more.

Three ways Canada can welcome and support scientists displaced by war and persecution – Drawing on the experiences of Scholars at Risk (SAR) programs in Canada and abroad, along with research in Europe, authors propose three recommendations to scale up and institutionalize efforts to support displaced researchers and artists to ensure Canada remains among the world’s top destinations for talent. Read more.

Canadian journalism is in deep trouble – academics can help – In addition to knowledge mobilization, journalists can also enrich some of the basics of academic research and writing. For example, what’s been described as ‘data journalism’ often includes grappling with troves of data and using digital tools to organize, analyze, and present them. Read more.

Financial aid, mentorship and support services add to student success – Financial aid is essential for many students, including first-generation students, who may not have the same support as their peers. Key financial supports include student grants, loans, scholarships and bursaries. Read more.