Within the field of Hungarian studies, the Hungarian Studies Association of Canada has sought to incorporate marginalized voices and frequently neglected themes, challenging Hungarian national narratives in ways that are both uncomfortable and necessary. Over the years, we have endeavored to provide space for stories and voices from Hungary’s Roma, Jewish and LGBTQ+ communities, all victims of genocide and persecution within living memory. Women in Hungarian history and society, and the enduring presence of patriarchy, have been explored through panels and discussions at our annual conferences. More recently, we have begun to touch on the question of refugees, migration and the impact of xenophobia in Hungary. As we move forward, we are committed to also reflecting upon the prevailing narratives within Hungarian Canadian circles around the establishment of Hungarian pioneer and émigré communities, such as those established on the Prairies at the end of the nineteenth century and into the twentieth century. We are dedicated to exploring these aspects of our community’s history through a postcolonial lens, recognizing we live within a settler colonial society.
HSAC stands in solidarity with all those who advocate for social justice within the humanities and social sciences and we are committed to being a partner in this ongoing journey for greater equity, diversity, inclusion, and decolonization.
The Executive Committee of the Hungarian Studies Association of Canada