ABSTRACT OF THE CONFERENCE

The Bamileke’s identity is generally associated to their connection with their village, but more broadly with the idea of economic success through mechanisms such as the Tontine. However, being a Bamileke is above all a state of mind, and a way of being, passed down from one generation to another for several centuries. Factors such as intergenerational immigration, distance from ancestral lands, various religions, and multiculturalism have contributed, gradually but deeply, to reducing knowledge of what the Bamileke’s identity is and what its foundations are.
To help improve and consolidate knowledge of what characterizes the “Bamileke spirit” and how it contributes to success, Poatouni Canada (the Fotouni Community of Canada), is organizing a conference to answer the following questions:

1. Who is Bamileke?

2. What is the “Bamileke Spirit”?

3. How does the Bamileke’s perspective of life contribute to their individual and collective success?