The two scholarly journals of the KITLV, BKI and NWIG, have a long history. In this session we reflect on past, present and future.

Established in 1853, the BKI is almost as old as the KITLV itself. In this session we will briefly reflect on its history and major changes since its founding, also in engagement with questions how to decolonize a journal. What was the impact of political decolonization on the journal? What difference does it make when a journal moves from a tradition of being run by one editor-in-chief and a managing editor, to a multi-disciplinary team with experts from the region? The public is invited to join the discussion on these matters.
This year the (New) West Indian Guide publishes its 100th volume. We will reveal its origins, that are quite intriguing, also in the light of contemporary global developments. Our discussion will include the changing profile of the journal and the role of the Vereniging KITLV in financing Open Access fees, making both the BKI and NWIG freely accessible to global audiences.