Congress 2013: Canada’s largest gathering of academic minds comes to Victoria

Congress 2013 | June 1-8, 2013 | Entire campus

Between June 1 and 8, 2013 Victoria will pulse with new ideas, energy and scholastic rigour as approximately 70 associations representing over 7,000 academics, internationally recognized researchers, policy makers and practitioners share findings, refine ideas and build partnerships that will help shape the Canada of tomorrow. Congress represents a unique showcase of scholarly excellence, creativity and leadership.

Visit www.uviccongress2013.ca for more information.

Congress Highlights

Big Thinking Lecture Series
June 1-6, 2013

The Big Thinking lecture series provides an opportunity for prominent public intellectuals to present their ideas. All sessions are open and free to the public.

Congress Special Event: First Peoples Circle Celebration and Dedication Ceremony
June 3, 2013 (16:30-17:30) | Presented by: University of Victoria

This UVic signature event includes First Peoples drummers moving through the academic buildings to call Congress delegates to join Elders at four key gathering spots around the university’s Ring Road (representing the four tribes on Vancouver Island). There will be a ceremonial entrance by all to Celebration Square where participants will be greeted by Indigenous drummers and dancers. Following the arrival, there will be a special dedication of a carved gift from Charles Elliott (OBC, OC) who was commissioned to carve a totem pole when Congress first visited UVic in 1990. The festivities will continue on with a pit cook and authentic Indigenous meal, a First Peoples artisan fair, carving demonstrations and special musical performances on the outdoor concert stage.

Congress Special Event: Buffy Sainte-Marie Concert
June 5, 3013 (time tbd) | Presented by: University of Victoria

Buffy Sainte-Marie, OC is a Canadian-American Cree singer-songwriter, musician, composer, visual artist, educator, pacifist and social activist. Join us at the outdoor Celebration Stage as one of Canada’s leading icons treats Congress delegates and the community to a special (family-oriented) concert.

You are invited to get involved!

Participate

Congress 2013 offers delegates, staff, volunteers and community members eight exciting days of academic excellence, public lectures and community celebrations as part of UVic’s 50th anniversary.

Highlights include the Big Thinking speaker series and the largest academic book fair in Canada, as well as daily performances on the outdoor stage (including an evening concert with Buffy Sainte Marie June 5), artisan fairs and exhibits, social/cultural events and activities showcasing the beauty and cultural traditions of the university, Victoria and the West Coast.

All of these activities are free and open to faculty, staff and the community.

Volunteer

We are recruiting over 400 volunteers who will play an integral role in ensuring the success of Congress 2013. You will have the opportunity to participate in a world-renowned event, increase your skills, be part of a team where your contribution is valued and have fun at the same time. Sign up today – www.uviccongress2013.ca/staff-volunteers or email volunteers@uviccongress2013.ca.