Haiti's presence in the global arena has been outsized, "larger than life," as it were, from its Revolution which alone espoused universal freedom, and created a safe haven and a space for citizenship for any enslaved African who landed in Haiti, and instilled fear in the world. The country played a significant role at the Pan American Union, in the African Congresses, the League of Nations, and later, at the United Nations. Haiti also pioneered South/South relations, early in the 19th century in its support of independence wars throughout the Western hemisphere, and in the evolution of Pan Americanism. It then suffered the indignity of a prolonged U.S. occupation in the first decade of the 20th century. Later in that same century, faced with a brutal dictatorship, Haiti’s citizens became more actively engaged with the African continent. Ties with Latin America remain strong, as evidenced by cooperation with Cuba and Venezuela today. The relationship with the Dominican Republic remains tumultuous, but constant.

Haiti’s presence in the world is not solely political. Through Indigénisme, it pioneered worldwide Négritude. The importance of Haiti where “Négritude rose for the first time” for Aimé Césaire or Léopold Sédar Senghor cannot be denied. Haiti’s impact on world literature persists, as evidenced by Dany Laferrière’s election to the Académie Française. Michaëlle Jean’s appointment to the head of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie emphasizes the symbolic and practical importance of Haiti for the institution, and francophonie as a concept. Haiti is the world leader when it comes to the Creole language. The recent creation of the Akademi Kreyòl Ayisyen confirms it. Haiti's impact on world music is reflected in its role in Cuba and in the evolution of New Orleans jazz, notably.  With Vaudou, the country is also a religious center. Haiti's presence in the world is real, "incontournable."

The Haitian Studies Association's 27th annual international conference which convenes at the Université de Montréal, on October, 22-24, 2015, proposes to delve deep into the Haitian presence internationally, lòtbòdlo, as well as nationally, in the ways Haiti and Haitians have represented themselves in all fields, domains, and disciplines, as well as how they have been represented, à tort et à travers by others. And how Haiti has performed or "outperformed," in all activities over the course of more than two centuries of independent life.

Conference Registration includes: Conference materials, Coffee Breaks Friday & Saturday,  Presidential Reception Thursday evening includes light refreshments, and the Book Launch/Cultural Event Friday night includes light refreshments

For more information regarding travel, hotel accommodations,  the schedule of events and about the Université de Montréal please visit the following websites:

Hotel Accommodations and Travel Information
About the Université de Montréal
Schedule of Events 

If you have any additional questions please e-mail HSA@umb.edu.