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Conference & Annual General Meeting 2026
Sea Power on the Pacific Rim: History, Heritage,
and the Canadian Experience
13th Royal Canadian Navy History Conference
Together with the Canadian Nautical Research Society
25–27 June 2026 | CFB Esquimalt, British Columbia
The 13th Royal Canadian Navy History Conference, convened in
partnership with the Canadian Nautical Research Society, invites
proposals for papers, panels, and roundtables to be held at Canadian
Forces Base Esquimalt, 25–27 June 2026. This conference coincides
with the RCN’s longstanding presence on the Pacific Coast and
provides a timely opportunity to explore the multifaceted history of sea
power on the Pacific Rim. From Indigenous maritime traditions to
imperial rivalries, from the Pacific theatres of the world wars to Cold
War operations, and from heritage preservation to contemporary
strategic challenges, the Pacific has always been a dynamic space of
maritime interaction. We welcome proposals that engage with the
broad theme of:
“Sea Power on the Pacific Rim: History, Heritage, and the
Canadian Experience.”
Topics may include, but are not limited to:
- The evolution of the Royal Canadian Navy’s Pacific presence, from Esquimalt’s 19th-century origins to the modern fleet.
- Exploring naval culture and leadership, through examination of historic customs, development of educational approaches, and/or career development.
- Canada’s role in Pacific conflicts and operations, including the World Wars, Korea, the Cold War, and post–Cold War missions.
- Indigenous maritime history and perspectives on Pacific seafaring and sovereignty.
- Naval heritage, commemoration, and the preservation of material culture on the Pacific coast.
- Comparative and transnational studies of sea power in the Pacific, including the Royal Navy, US Navy, Imperial Japanese Navy, and regional maritime forces.
- The impact of geography, trade, migration, and technology on Pacific naval and maritime history.
- Historiographical and methodological approaches to studying Pacific naval history.
Submission Guidelines
- Individual papers: Please submit an abstract of no more than 300 words, along with a brief (150-word) biographical note.
- Panels and roundtables: Submit a 500-word proposal outlining the panel theme, plus abstracts and bios for each participant.
- Proposals are welcome from academics, students, naval professionals, independent scholars, and heritage practitioners.
Deadlines and Details
- Proposal submission deadline: 15 January 2026
- Notification of acceptance: 15 February 2026
- Submissions and inquiries should be sent to: rcncnrsconference@gmail.com
The 13th RCN History Conference promises to be a significant opportunity for dialogue between historians, naval personnel, and the wider community. We look forward to welcoming articipants to Esquimalt, the historic heart of the Royal Canadian Navy on the Pacific Coast.
Student travel grants
Canadian students are encouraged to apply for the CNRS’s Gerry Panting Award for New Scholars to assist with expenses associated with traveling to the conference. Details for this award .
Previous conferences
held during previous years
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