Canadian Association of African Studies (CAAS) - Association Canadienne d'Études Africaines (ACEA)

The Canadian Association of African Studies (CAAS) - Association Canadienne d'Études Africaines (ACEA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the study of Africa in Canada and fostering awareness of African issues among Canadians. CAAS aims to inform Canadian policy on and in Africa and facilitate academic exchanges between Canadian and African universities and research institutions.

History

Formed in 1970 from the Canadian Committee on African Studies, CAAS has a long history of supporting African studies in Canada. Its predecessor, launched in 1967, set the groundwork for CAAS's current activities[3][4].

Objectives

The primary objectives of CAAS include:

• Promoting African Studies: Encourage and support academic research and education related to Africa across Canada.
• Public Awareness: Educate Canadians about the challenges and aspirations of African communities.
• Policy Influence: Contribute to shaping Canadian policies concerning Africa by providing expert insights.
• International Collaboration: Strengthen ties between Canadian and African academic institutions[2][3].

Activities

CAAS hosts annual conferences that bring together scholars and professionals from diverse fields to discuss contemporary African issues. These events are designed to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and facilitate discussions on the social, economic, political, and cultural transformations occurring in Africa. Conferences often explore themes that reflect the changing landscape of African societies, including social changes, economic developments, and cultural shifts[5].

Publications

CAAS supports scholarly publications related to African studies, contributing to the dissemination of knowledge on African topics in Canada and beyond[3].

Membership and Community

CAAS invites scholars, students, and professionals interested in African studies to join its community. Members can participate in events, access scholarly resources, and engage with a dynamic network of Africanists in Canada and internationally[3].