Greek Canadian Studies Conference to explore diversity

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The York University Hellenic Heritage Foundation (HHF) Chair of Modern Greek History and the HHF Greek Canadian Archives at York University will host the second Greek Canadian Studies Conference, May 11 and 12, when it explores the theme “Diversity in Greekness.”

Participants will discuss how Greekness has been conceptualized and enacted in the modern era, and the conference offers artists, academics and other Greek Canadians a platform to share fresh insights into what it has meant to be Greek in Canada historically, and what it means today.

Featuring experts and academics, both local and international, the two-day event will feature several presentations, a keynote address and a walking tour to cap off the conference.

The keynote panel will discuss “Toward a Global Greek Migration History” on May 11 from 6:30 to 8 p.m., and will feature three speakers:

  • Chris Grafos and Vasilis (Bill) Molos, York University – The History and Future of a Subfield: Greek Canadian Studies in 2023
  • Andonis Piperoglou, University of Melbourne – Toward a Global History of Greek Diasporizations: Reflections and Pathways from Australia
  • Yiorgos Anagnostou, The Ohio State University – Diasporas as Action: Intersecting Projects in Global Greek Diaspora Studies

On May 12, guests will be invited to three presentations covering the following topics:

  • Diasporas as Action: Intersecting Projects in Global Greek Diaspora Studies
  • Whose Community History?
  • Transnational Turns, Transnational Methodologies

Those participating in the May 12 presenattions from York University include: Themistoklis Aravossitas, Theo Xenophontos, Angelo Laskaris, Georgia Koumantaros, Athanasios (Sakis) Gekas, Alexander Balasis, Othon Alexandrakis, Effrosyni Rantou.

The conference concludes on May 12 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. with the HHF Historical Walk of the 1918 Anti-Greek Riots, where participants and guests will be guided on a “Greektown on the Danforth” walking tour to explore Greektown from its foundations in faith and family to the evolution of today’s businesses and restaurants.

For more details and full abstracts, visit the event website.