<p> Conference Call For Papers</p><p>Finn Forum IX</p><p>Finland and the World: Past and Present</p><p>May 26-27, 2010 Lakehead University Thunder Bay, Ontario</p><p>Finn Forum IX is an international, interdisciplinary conference in Finnish, Finnish-North American and Finnish Diaspora Studies, to be held at Lakehead University in 2010. Since 1974, Finn Forum has developed into a premier international conference that provides a public arena where scholars working in widely dispersed locations and diverse disciplines come together to present the results of their research. The eight previous conferences have been held in, Sweden, the United States, Canada and Finland. </p><p>Every forum offers opportunities to present research within a specific thematic approach. The first round of conferences looked at the immigrant communities and activities within North America; the second looked at questions relating to ethnicity and multiculturalism, for the third the theme was widened to include the whole interdisciplinary spectrum of Finnish Studies. Finn Forum IX in Thunder Bay will expand the focus to include the contemporary Finnish social, economic, and political presence in the world.</p><p>The theme for Finn Forum IX is Finland and the World: Past, Present and Future. We welcome submissions dealing with Finnish history, migration, culture and language. We also encourage submissions for presentations and panels focused on contemporary aspects of the Finnish Diaspora and the country’s impact on the on the world.</p><p>Finn Forum IX is being held in conjunction with the 100th anniversary of the building of the Finnish Labour Temple in what is now Thunder Bay, Ontario. The Finnish Labour Temple’s history is a reflection of the history of Finnish immigration and settlement in North America. The temple was completed in 1910 through the combined efforts of the Finnish-American Workers’ League and the Finnish New Attempt Temperance Society. Throughout the last hundred years, it has been host to political rallies, theatrical productions, concerts, motion pictures, sporting events, and festivals. The Finnish Labour Temple continues to serve the community as its most important public meeting place. Finn Forum IX will combine with activities organized by the local Finnish community to celebrate the building’s centenary.</p><p>Finn Forum also results in the publication of papers and the Lakehead University event will provide an opportunity for scholars to publish their research. </p><p>Send your proposal for a presentation or panel, (150 word limit) along with a short C.V., to Shirley Kauranen, [email protected] or Ron Harpelle, [email protected]. The deadline for submissions is December 15, 2009.</p>