October 30, 2003
U of S Ranks 12th in Canada for Research Income
Posted October 30, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 30, 2003 2003-10-28-OTHER
U of S Ranks 12th in Canada for Research Income
- Saskatchewan Leads in Research Income Growth
SASKATOON, SK. For the second year in a row, the University of Saskatchewan
ranks 12th in Canada for total research income, according to Canada's Top 50
Research Universities List published today by Toronto-based Research
Infosource Inc.
The U of S attracted a total of $121.3 million in fiscal 2002, a
19.4-per-cent increase over the previous year and the highest figure in the
University's history. The national average for income growth was 12.1 per
cent, the study says.
When research income for Saskatchewan's two universities is combined,
Saskatchewan recorded the highest increase (22.4 per cent) of any province
in total university research income for fiscal 2002.
As well, U of S research intensity (dollars per full-time faculty) has risen
to $120,300, exceeding the national average for fiscal 2002 of $113,400.
"Our impressive performance in these rankings is a credit to the excellence
of our researchers whose work enriches the learning experience for our
students," said Steven Franklin, U of S Vice-President of Research.
"The fact that we're ranked 12th in Canada shows that U of S is successfully
building on its research strengths and taking advantage of new opportunities
offered by programs such as the Canada Foundation for Innovation, Canada
Research Chairs, Genome Canada, and the federal granting councils. Matching
funding from the Saskatchewan government has played a vital role in this
success."
The $19.7-million increase in total research funding in 2001-2002 was
largely due to investment in Canada Research Chairs at the U of S, continued
Canada Foundation for Innovation-funded activities including the Canadian
Light Source synchrotron, and $4.2 million from the federal government
towards the indirect costs of doing research (money provided in advance at
the end of fiscal 2002 for 2003).
Comparative national data for fiscal 2003 is not yet available, but the U of
S attracted $115.8 million in total research revenue for that year, a
decline that largely reflects the fact that the federal indirect costs money
for fiscal 2003 had been received at the end of fiscal 2002, as was the case
for all other universities.
Research Infosource Inc. uses Statistics Canada data to rank Canada's
leading universities by sponsored research income from both government and
non-government sources.
For more information about the ranking, visit: www.researchinfosource.com
For the latest news about U of S research successes, visit:
www.usask.ca/research
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For more information, contact:
Kathryn Warden
U of S Research Communications Officer
Office of the Vice-President Research
(306) 966-2506
kathryn.warden@usask.ca
www.usask.ca/research
October 27, 2003
Presentation of Awards to the Most Distinguished Graduates at U of S Fall Convocation 2003
Posted October 27, 2003
Saturday, October 25, 2003 2003-10-25-OTHER
Presentation of Awards to the Most Distinguished Graduates
The University of Saskatchewan is proud to announce that the following
students were honoured at Fall Convocation ceremonies Saturday October 25,
2003.
Fall Convocation Three-Year Degree Medal presented to
Melissa Erin Gieni, North Battleford, Bachelor of Science Three Year in
Physiology with Great Distinction
University Medal in Fine Arts presented to
Hilary Kit Davidson, Swift Current, Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art
with Great Distinction
Rose Litman Medal in Humanities presented to
Andrea Puhl, Reimsbach, Germany, Bachelor of Arts Honours
with High Honours in French
University Medal in Social Sciences presented to
Brett Mel Fischer, Saskatoon, Bachelor of Arts Double Honours
with High Honours in Anthropology and Archaeology and Spanish
University Medal in Sciences presented to
Kevin Barrie Stricker, Yorkton, Bachelor of Science Four Year in
Computer Science with Great Distinction
Dean's Medal in Arts and Science presented to
Brett Mel Fischer, Saskatoon, Bachelor of Arts Double Honours
with High Honours in Anthropology and Archaeology and Spanish
The Goodspeed Prize in Commerce presented to
Joel Gaucher, Riverside Estates, Bachelor of Commerce with Great Distinction
Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation Prize presented to
Jason Charles Young, Cumberland House, Bachelor of Education with
Distinction
University Prize in Nursing presented to
Angela Donna Tanzell, Regina, Bachelor of Science in Nursing with Great
Distinction
President's Medal presented to
Melissa Erin Gieni, North Battleford, Bachelor of Science Three Year in
Physiology with Great Distinction
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For more information, please call:
Erin Taman
Communications
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-6919
October 23, 2003
U of S Awarded $5.27 M for Three New Research Chairs and Equipment
Posted October 23, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 23, 2003 2003-10-26-OTHER
U of S Awarded $5.27 M for Three New Research Chairs and Equipment
Today the University of Saskatchewan was awarded $5.27 million over the next
seven years for three new Canada Research Chairs and associated equipment.
The new Chair holders will conduct research to help create better crop
varieties and explore ways to preserve our rural communities. One will use
the Canadian Light Source (CLS) synchrotron (www.lightsource.ca), due to
open next year on the U of S campus, to explore how plants manufacture the
chemicals we use for both foods and medicines.
The total amount includes $4.3 million for the Chairs, as well as $970,126
for research equipment to be provided by the Canada Foundation for
Innovation, the University and other partners.
"We are delighted to have recruited these outstanding scientists to the
University of Saskatchewan," said U of S President Peter MacKinnon. "Their
work will strengthen research in areas of critical economic and social
importance, as well as create new opportunities for graduate training in
exciting areas of life and social sciences."
The new Chair holders, who will assume their positions in October 2003 to
January 2004, are:
- Federica Brandizzi -- Canada Research Chair in Plant Cell/Molecular
Biology
Plants are chemical engineers without equal, producing a wide range of oils,
starches and proteins for food, plus complex molecules for medicine.
Molecular farming aims to use plants to efficiently manufacture these
high-value products for potentially a fraction of the cost.
Recruited from Oxford Brookes University in the United Kingdom, Federica
Brandizzi will use the CLS synchrotron to examine the workings of the
endoplasmic reticulum (ER). This plant cell structure literally feeds the
world, as it is responsible for manufacturing most of the seed proteins that
we eat every day. Understanding the ER biology is critical to building a
molecular farming industry.
- Ravindra Chibbar -- Canada Research Chair in Crop Quality (Molecular
Biology and Genetics)
Canadian farmers produce some of the highest quality cereal grains and pulse
crops in the world. Consumer demand for quality is increasing along with
incomes, as is competition from other countries. To hold Canada's position
and to diversify, new crop varieties are needed, tailored for specific
products and markets.
Recruited from the National Research Council Plant Biotechnology Institute,
Ravindra Chibbar will develop designer crops for specific market niches.
Chibbar, in collaboration with colleagues in the U of S Crop Development
Centre, has developed a modified starch wheat (amylose-free waxy wheat) for
the noodle market which is due to reach Canadian fields this year. He will
also focus on understanding the genes and gene regulation in pulse crops,
with the aim of producing superior varieties with traits demanded by the
marketplace.
- Mark Partridge Canada Research Chair in The New Rural Economy
Technological change on the Canadian Prairies has driven people away from
rural communities as fewer workers are needed to farm the land. Since 1936,
the country's population tripled, while Saskatchewan's increased by nine per
cent. Clearly, a new approach is needed if rural communities are to survive.
Recruited from St. Cloud State University in Minnesota, Partridge will
examine links between technological change and economic growth. Partridge
will identify barriers to growth such as tax regimes and business knowledge,
as well as advantages of rural living, such as close-knit communities, clean
environment and affordable housing. Armed with this knowledge, businesses,
municipal governments and policy makers can work to create an environment
that fosters rural communities.
With the addition of the three new Chairs, the U of S has now been awarded
over $19 million to support 18 Chairs, as well as nearly $2.7 million in
related CFI and partner infrastructure funding.
Today's announcement was made in Toronto by Industry Minister Allan Rock as
part of a $102.2-million investment to create 118 new Canada Research
Chairs, along with $15.6 million in CFI infrastructure support.
"Today, more than 1,000 Chairs in universities across Canada are helping
make the quality of life of Canadians better every day," said Minister Allan
Rock. "Thanks to the research of all the Chairs, Canada is closer than ever
to its goal of becoming one of the top five countries in the world for
research and development performance -- a priority in the Government of
Canada's Innovation Strategy."
A team of academic peers chooses the most outstanding candidates from
nominations submitted to the Chairs program by universities. U of S research
priority areas for the Chairs are biotechnology, environmental sciences,
health sciences, identity and diversity, materials science, and technology
and change.
The $900-million Chairs Program was created to enhance universities as
centers of world-class research excellence by attracting and retaining
excellent researchers in Canadian universities. By 2005, Canadian
universities will have 2,000 new Canada Research Chairs. For profiles of U
of S Chair holders, visit http://www.usask.ca/crc or the national Canada
Research Chairs Web site at http://www.chairs.gc.ca
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For more information, contact:
Kathryn Warden
Research Communications Officer
Office of the Vice-President Research
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-2506
kathryn.warden@usask.ca
http://www.usask.ca/research/
October 22, 2003
Virtual Museum of Métis History and Culture Launched On Campus
Posted October 22, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 22, 2003 2003-10-24-OTHER
Virtual Museum of Métis History and Culture Launched On Campus
Today, the Gabriel Dumont Institute (GDI) in partnership with the University
of Saskatchewan's Division of Media and Technology (DMT) released The
Virtual Museum of Métis History and Culture on campus
(www.metismuseum.ca). The Virtual Museum was designed on campus by a team
from DMT, and is the most comprehensive attempt to chronicle traditional
Métis history and culture on the World Wide Web.
The Virtual Museum is the culmination of years of research gathering and
resource production and is based on GDI's resolute desire to ensure that the
Métis have their own stories told in a medium that is user-friendly,
free and accessible to all those interested in Métis history and
culture.
It contains a wealth of primary documents including oral history interviews,
photographs, and various archival documents in state-of-the-art visual,
audio and video files. The site is divided into six sections: Indigenous
Voices, Métis Celebration, Our Proud Heritage, Learning Resources,
Artistic Expressions and Moccasin Telegraph. These sections honour
traditional Métis values: pride in culture, language and country,
respect for the past and for Elders, commitment to learning, zest for life
and the desire to live freely and independently.
"The Virtual Museum gives us another vehicle to present accurate historical
depictions of the Métis. Too often, we have been portrayed in a
negative fashion. This truly is an opportunity to allow the Métis
people across Canada to celebrate their history with pride and dignity,"
said Calvin Racette, GDI's Executive Director. "It also is a recognition
that the Métis people play an important role in Canada's history, and
this is another method of validation."
"It's projects like this that the University of Saskatchewan wholeheartedly
strives to support and promote," said Danielle Fortosky, Director of DMT.
"We are excited to be part of this truly unique project which will be used
by many U of S students and staff as well as people around the world."
"The Virtual Museum is GDI's gift to the Métis and larger
communities. For years we have received unwavering support from a variety of
educational, government, community and cultural stakeholders. The Virtual
Museum is our way of expressing our gratitude to our many supporters. GDI is
very proud of the Virtual Museum and of our partnership with the University
of Saskatchewan's DMT, who so ably developed this wonderful showcase of
Métis heritage and pride", said Darren Préfontaine, GDI
Curriculum Development Officer.
The Virtual Museum is a multi-year project, which will see significant
development in the future including an oral history symposium, more content
in Aboriginal languages, on-line courses, and partnerships with archives and
museums which house significant Métis-specific image collections.
GDI acknowledges funding support from Saskatchewan Learning, the Department
of Canadian Heritage's Canadian Culture Online Program, the Canada Council
for the Arts, SaskCulture and the Government of Canada.
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For more information, please contact:
Darren R. Préfontaine
Curriculum Development Officer
Gabriel Dumont Institute
Tel: (306) 657-5711
www.metismuseum.ca
or
Danielle Fortosky
Director, Division of Media and Technology
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-4259
October 17, 2003
I.ARE.H to Host International Symposium on the Future of Rural Peoples
Posted October 17, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 17, 2003 2003-10-19-OTHER
I.ARE.H to Host International Symposium on the Future of Rural Peoples
The Institute of Agricultural Rural and Environmental Health (I.ARE.H) at
the University of Saskatchewan announced today, that they will be hosting
the fifth International Symposium on the Future of Rural Peoples: Rural
Economy, Healthy People, Environment, Rural Communities which will take
place from October 19 - 23 at the Delta Bessborough and Sheraton Cavalier
hotels, Saskatoon, SK.
"The Future of Rural Peoples looks to address the people, the environment,
the economy and the community," said Dr. James Dosman, Director of I.ARE.H.
"With profound changes affecting the very survival of rural people, this
historic conference seeks to connect knowledge and past experience in new
ways to point to the Future of Rural Peoples."
The symposium is intended to be inclusive of all rural settings, from those
in fully industrialized countries to those in emerging or subsistence
economies. With more than 420 scientific presentations and over 500 people
registered for the conference, the symposium will be the largest ever hosted
by I.ARE.H and one of the largest scientific conferences ever held in
Saskatoon.
This symposium is bringing together researchers, policy makers, rural
people, and practitioners to consider systems, strategies, projects and
processes that contribute to healthy rural economies, healthy people,
healthy environments and healthy communities.
Guest speakers include Stephen Lewis, Companion of the Order of Canada,
United Nations Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa; Dr. John Bryden,
Co-director, The Arkleton Centre for Rural Development Research, Aberdeen,
UK; Dr. Ingrid J. Pickering, Research Chair in Molecular Environmental
Science, University of Saskatchewan; Professor Cornelia Wieman, McMaster
University; Dr. James Merchant, Dean, College of Public Health, The
University of Iowa.
Topics to be discussed include: rural and remote nursing; children's
agricultural health and safety; environment and health, rural economies;
environmental and occupational exposures; endotoxin and the lungs; injury in
agricultural and rural settings.
A think tank team of 14 researchers will meet at the conclusion of the
conference to compile actions that can be undertaken to implement change.
For more information and an outline of the conference program, please visit:
http://iareh.usask.ca/symposium2003.
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For more information, please contact:
Dr. James Dosman, Director
I.ARE.H
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-8286
or
Sueli B. de Freitas
I.ARE.H
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-7888
Email: symposium2003@usask.ca
October 16, 2003
U of S and Partners Celebrate Grand Opening of $17.8 M VIDO Expansion
Posted October 16, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 16, 2003 2003-10-14-VIDO
U of S and Partners Celebrate Grand Opening of $17.8 M VIDO Expansion
Canada's capacity to fight human and animal disease and address food safety
challenges received a boost today with the opening of a new $17.8-million
expansion of the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) at the
University of Saskatchewan.
A global leader in vaccine and infectious disease research, VIDO has added
50,000 square feet of state-of-the-art lab space and equipment, as well as
new office space. Since the expansion was announced two years ago, VIDO has
recruited more than 50 research scientists and technicians, bringing its
staff to more than 135, and will continue to grow.
The new labs and world-class scientific staff will enable VIDO to probe the
molecular processes involved in infection and development of immunity,
ultimately leading to new vaccines that will protect the health of humans
and animals. The expansion will greatly extend VIDO's resources for genomics
and proteomics research, both areas with significant application to human
health. As well, VIDO's aggressive pursuit of new needle-free vaccine
delivery systems, such as oral and intra-nasal delivery, and its food safety
vaccine initiative best exemplified by an E. coli vaccine being developed
for cattle, will be bolstered by the expansion.
"This expansion of VIDO is concrete proof of why the Government of Canada is
committed to strengthening Western Canada's research capacity," Public Works
and Government Services Minister Ralph Goodale said on behalf of Stephen
Owen, Secretary of State (Western Economic Diversification) (Indian Affairs
and Northern Development). "VIDO and other pioneering centres of research
are attracting the best and brightest to our communities. They are helping
to reinvigorate the local economy and, ultimately, will improve our quality
of life in Saskatchewan."
"Western Economic Diversification Canada is working with VIDO and other
university, industry and private sector partners to build research centres
that will elevate the West to the pinnacle of Canadian and worldwide
innovation," said Stephen Owen, Secretary of State (Western Economic
Diversification) (Indian Affairs and Northern Development).
"The CFI's investment in VIDO will help to support the development of
world-class expertise in this community," said David Strangway, President
and CEO of the Canada Foundation for Innovation. "By supporting
state-of-the-art infrastructure projects like the one being announced today,
the CFI is helping to modernize the research landscape in Canada."
"This stunning expansion is a testament to the vision of VIDO director
Lorne Babiuk and our funding partners who have recognized the enormous value
of building research capacity on our campus," said U of S President Peter
MacKinnon. "The expansion of this internationally recognized institute will
attract more top minds in infectious disease research to the U of S and
build on our already impressive infrastructure for world-class research and
graduate training."
"With these new labs and an expanded scientific staff, we are well-equipped
to undertake ground-breaking research that will define the next generation
of products for both animal and human health," said VIDO director Lorne
Babiuk, a U of S Canada Research Chair in Vaccinology and Biotechnology. His
multidisciplinary team includes immunologists, epidemiologists, virologists,
veterinarians and clinicians, biochemists, molecular biologists, biomedical
engineers, and pharmacists.
Wholly owned by the U of S, VIDO operates with substantial support from the
governments of Saskatchewan and Alberta, as well as federal government and
industry competitive grants.
Construction of the expansion began in October 2001, and was initially
budgeted at $14.3-million. Funding was provided by the Government of
Saskatchewan ($5.15 million), the Canada Foundation for Innovation ($5.15
million), Western Economic Diversification (WD) ($2 million) and the
Government of Alberta ($2 million). VIDO's success in attracting a
$27-million Genome Canada investment allowed a third floor to be added.
Through the Genome Canada award, WD provided an additional $2.5 million and
the Province of Saskatchewan (Industry and Resources) $500,000. The U of S
contributed $500,000 for a fully equipped conference centre.
VIDO is renowned for the research, development and commercialization of
products used by producers in the food animal industry. It is credited with
five "world firsts" in animal vaccine research, including the world's first
genetically engineered vaccine to combat shipping fever in cattle. VIDO
currently holds more than 50 biotechnology patents and has 27 pending. It
collaborates with research institutes around the world and with more than 30
commercial companies.
With more space, equipment and staff, VIDO will also be able to take full
advantage of the research opportunities at the Canadian Light Source
(www.lightsource.ca) which opens next year on the U of S campus.
More information is available at http://www.vido.org.
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Contact information:
Kathryn Warden
Research Communications
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-2506
www.usask.ca
Tess Laidlaw
Communications, VIDO
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-2568
www.vido.org
Valérie Poulin
Coordinator - Media Relations
Canada Foundation for Innovation
www.innovation.ca
613) 996-3160
Joanne Mysak
Manager, Consultations, Marketing and Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
(306) 975-5942, 1-888-338-9378
www.wd.gc.ca
VIDO Backgrounder
The Organization
- The Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) is located in
Saskatoon, Sask. on the University of Saskatchewan (U of S) campus
- VIDO was created in 1975 with a mandate to develop vaccines for the
protection of livestock against serious and economically devastating
diseases, and to ensure the technology reached the producer.
- VIDO has gone from a staff of five temporarily housed in trailers to a new
name, a brand-new state-of-the-art building, and more than 135 employees and
researchers occupying 80,000 square feet.
- VIDO's facilities include modern virology, immunology, bacteriology and
biochemistry labs and a 160-acre research station.
- VIDO is a not-for-profit research centre wholly owned by the U of S and
operates with substantial support from the governments of Alberta and
Saskatchewan, as well as the Government of Canada and industry competitive
grants. VIDO's annual research revenue exceeds $10 million.
- VIDO has recently applied to the Canada Foundation for Innovation to
create an international, Level 3 vaccine research and development centre.
The Research
- VIDO is internationally recognized for the design of many vaccines and
products increasing productivity and improving health and quality of life
for livestock.
- The national and international animal health industry has adopted VIDO
technology and products for use in disease prevention programs. For example,
the Organization created the first genetically engineered subunit animal
vaccine, and was the first to demonstrate that DNA immunization, known to
lead to a long-lasting and broad spectrum immune response, could be
effective in cattle.
- VIDO is known for its research into new vaccination strategies for
improving protection and ease of delivery of vaccines for both human and
animal diseases.
- The Organization hosts visiting scientists and also provides a challenging
and rewarding training environment for undergraduates, postgraduates, and
postdoctoral fellows.
The Director
VIDO director Lorne Babiuk, a professor of veterinary microbiology at the
University of Saskatchewan, holds a Canada Research Chair in Vaccinology and
Biotechnology. His many awards and honours also include a U of S
Distinguished Researcher Award, a Canadian Society of Microbiology Award, a
Rotarian Wheel Award in Science, the Emerging Science in Technology Award
for Innovation, and the Saskatchewan Order of Merit.
Corporate success
- VIDO continues to be competitive nationally and internationally, with 52
awarded patents and 27 patents pending as of the fall of 2003.
- The Organization participates in collaborative agreements and research
contracts with a growing number of multinational animal health and
pharmaceutical companies, along with government and academic institutions.
- VIDO has recently teamed up with the University of British Columbia and
two corporate partners, Pyxis Genomics Canada Inc. and Inimex
Pharmaceuticals Inc. of Vancouver B.C., to lead a $27-million national
genomics project funded by Genome Canada through Genome Prairie. The project
will apply the science of genomics and proteomics to revealing mechanisms of
mucosal immune responses to infection.
Public visits are encouraged and welcomed, preferably by appointment.
Current VIDO Research Activities Include:
- Development of bovine mastitis vaccines
- Determination of pathogenesis and development of a vaccine against porcine
circovirus (swine)
- Development of vaccines for E. coli infection in poultry
- Creation of novel genetically engineered live viral and bacterial vaccines
- Studying mechanisms of mucosal immunity
- Developing new vaccine formulation and delivery systems including "needle
free"
- Developing food safety vaccines (E. coli O157:H7 and Campylobacter)
Successes in Vaccine Development:
- Pneumo-Star(tm), the world's first subunit genetically engineered
commercial veterinary vaccine against Pasteurella infection in cattle
- Somnu-Star Ph(tm) and Somnu-Star(tm) against H. somnus and Pasteurella
infection in cattle
- Vicogen(tm), world's first calf scours vaccine protecting against K-99 E.
coli enteritis
- Ecolan-RC(tm), vaccine for calf scours, protecting against K-99 E. coli,
rotavirus and coronavirus enteritis
- Hevlan-TC(tm), type II adenovirus vaccine against hemorrhagic enteritis in
turkeys and splenomegaly of chickens
- Pleuro-Star 4(tm), a recombinant subunit vaccine for Actinobacillus
pleuropneumoniae infection in swine
Computer Scientists Win $1.2-M Grant to Build Power Tools for Online Education
Posted October 16, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 16, 2003 2003-10-20-OTHER
Computer Scientists Win $1.2-M Grant to Build Power Tools for Online
Education
University of Saskatchewan computer scientists will receive $1.2 million
over the next five years to develop software tools for making sense of vast
amounts of online information -- work that may extend the reach of
universities far beyond their campus boundaries.
"Anyone who has used the Internet knows there is a tremendous amount of
excellent teaching and learning material out there," says Jim Greer, head of
the U of S department of computer science. "The challenge is finding these
materials, evaluating them, then tailoring them to your needs."
The U of S team will research and develop specialized software tools that
will be used to mine the world's databases for suitable learning materials
and help assemble sequences of "learning objects" into larger lessons or
course modules. Learning objects are pieces of information that are
reusable, small, and have some instructional goal such as tutorials, exams,
video clips and other multimedia resources.
The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) will
contribute $1 million and industry $200,000.
The U of S team is one node of a nearly $10-million Canada-wide project
called LORNET (Learning Objects Repositories Network), an NSERC research
network announced today in Montréal by federal Industry Minister
Allan Rock.
"This network constitutes an exceptional team of eminent Canadian
specialists in the field of distance learning," said NSERC Executive
Vice-President Nigel Lloyd. "The research that they are going to carry out
will unquestionably revolutionize teaching methods
LORNET aims to integrate the vast quantities of learning objects that have
been created over the years by educators and instructional designers. The
new computer software will also "learn" from how it is being used.
"We want a suite of tools that not only monitors how learners use
information, but teaches itself how to better support learning," Greer
explains.
Using these tools, students wanting to brush up on a subject could build
custom lessons for themselves. Professors or teachers could find resources
and lab activities, together with suggestions on how to fit the elements
together.
Ultimately, LORNET aims to enhance the capacity of schools and universities
to develop online courses, and to make it easier for students to get the
materials they need to further their education. It will also allow the best
learning resources to be widely re-used, and for courses developed here to
be offered in rural communities in Canada and around the world.
"This technology will allow our educational institutions to expand far
beyond their borders," Greer says. "The walls are breaking down and there
will be international trade in education. Canada needs to be involved in
this marketplace."
Gilbert Paquette of the Télé-université du Quebec
(TELUQ), a distance-learning university in Montréal, leads the
national LORNET initiative. Other nodes are located at the University of
Ottawa, the University of Waterloo, Simon Fraser University, and Ecole
Polytechnique de Montreal. The network plans to provide training each year
to some 40 graduate students and six postdoctoral fellows.
The U of S research team includes Gordon McCalla, Jim Greer, Julita
Vassileva, Ralph Deters and John Cooke -- all from the department of
computer science. Local industry partners include online courseware
developer Inroad Solutions and the telecom research agency TRLabs, both
located at Innovation Place in Saskatoon.
NSERC is providing a total of $7.5 million for the national LORNET project,
while numerous industry partners across the country are providing a total of
more than $2 million.
NSERC (www.nserc.ca) supports both basic university research through
discovery grants and project research through partnerships among
universities, governments and the private sector, as well as the advanced
training of highly qualified people.
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For more information, contact:
Jim Greer
Department of Computer Science
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-8655
jim.greer @usask.ca
*Greer and the U of S LORNET team will be in Montreal from October 16 to 19
inclusive for the national LORNET media conference and inaugural workshop.
Please contact Kathryn Warden to arrange for an interview during this time.
Kathryn Warden
Research Communications
Office of the Vice-President Research
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-2506
kathryn.warden@usask.ca
www.usask.ca/research
October 14, 2003
U of S Reproductive Technology Pioneer to Receive Distinguished Researcher Award
Posted October 14, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Tuesday, October 14, 2003 2003-10-09-OTHER
Reproductive Technology Pioneer to Receive Distinguished Researcher Award
A University of Saskatchewan veterinary scientist whose work has been
instrumental in improving cattle reproduction worldwide will receive the
Distinguished Researcher Award at the October 25th convocation.
Reuben Mapletoft is a member of the department of large animal clinical
sciences at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM). The award,
which carries a $1,000 prize, recognizes a U of S faculty member who has
made a major contribution to knowledge through research and publication.
"Professor Mapletoft is an international leader in reproductive science,"
said Steven Franklin, U of S Vice President Research. "His advice is
regularly sought by producers, veterinarians and researchers both in Canada
and around the world."
Mapletoft pioneered techniques to induce cows to come into estrus at the
same time, allowing producers to preschedule embryo transfer and artificial
insemination. This has been a boon for cost and efficiency. He also
developed a drug that causes cows to superovulate, allowing them to produce
multiple fertilized embryos at once.
The embryos are then harvested and chilled to preserve them during shipment.
Mapletoft has patented a substance to replace serum in culture and during
the cryopreservation phase. It is currently marketed worldwide, along with
the superovulation drug.
Mapletoft has developed protocols for embryo transfer that have since become
standard practice worldwide. Embryos from donor cows can be shipped anywhere
in the world, then placed in surrogate mothers to complete their gestation.
In this way, a cow with superior genetic characteristics can have many more
calves, and hence, far more impact on improving herd quality.
Mapletoft has played a central role in building the U of S reproductive
science and medicine program, the only one in Canada where there is close
collaboration between a veterinary college and a college of medicine.
Reproductive research on animal models has paid dividends in learning how to
treat fertility disorders in people.
"Reuben's contribution to the reproductive sciences is phenomenal, as a
scientist, as a teacher and as a colleague," says WCVM Dean Charles Rhodes.
"The whole international embryo transfer industry that has matured in the
last 20 years owes much to his efforts."
-more-
...2/Mapletoft Receives Distinguished Researcher Award
An enthusiastic mentor and collaborator, Mapletoft gives graduate student
training high priority.
His students have gone on to make important contributions in Canada and
around the world. He has also trained more than 200 practising veterinarians
in embryo transfer and associated technologies through various workshops
over the past 25 years.
Mapletoft earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the University of
Guelph. He achieved both his Master's degree and Ph.D. in endocrinology and
reproductive physiology at the University of Wisconsin. He moved back to his
native Saskatchewan in 1977 to accept an associate professorship in the
department of clinical studies at the WCVM. He headed the WCVM's department
of large animal clinical sciences for two years.
An acknowledged expert in bovine endocrinology and physiology, Mapletoft is
much sought after as a speaker on the international stage. He has given
numerous lectures and conference presentations in North America, South
America, Europe, Africa and Australasia.
Mapletoft served as president of the International Embryo Transfer Society,
and was the founding president of the Canadian Embryo Transfer Association
(CETA). He continues to serve on various committees for both bodies
including 18 years on the CETA certification committee, the group
responsible for certifying professionals to conduct embryo transfer in
Canada.
He is also one of three U of S researchers awarded the Industry Leadership
Award from the Canadian Animal Health Institute, the trade association
representing companies that develop and manufacture animal health products
in Canada.
Over the course of his 26-year career at the U of S, Mapletoft has brought
over $5.75 million dollars in research funding to the university through
grants from both federal and provincial governments, plus industry
associations and private corporations.
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For more information, contact:
Reuben Mapletoft
Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences
Western College of Veterinary Medicine
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-1212
Kathryn Warden
Research Communications Officer
Office of the Vice-President Research
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-2506
kathryn.warden@usask.ca
http://www.usask.ca/research/
U of S Announces Fall Convocation Award Recipients
Posted October 14, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 14, 2003 2003-10-11-OTHER
U of S Announces Fall Convocation Award Recipients
Today, the University of Saskatchewan announced several award recipients who
will be honoured at Fall Convocation on Saturday, October 25, 2003.
Master Teacher Award - The Master Teacher award was established to emphasize
the importance of teaching at the U of S. Alec Aitken of the Department of
Geography is a worthy recipient. He has demonstrated superior teaching at a
variety of levels and to many groups. Aitken continually gets top marks from
students in class evaluations. The other educational activities he engages
in set him apart, both on and off campus. He spearheaded the development of
the Environmental Earth Sciences interdisciplinary program for students and
as part of the Innovators in the Schools program, and has made almost a
hundred elementary school visits since 1993. Aitken also helped develop the
Brightwater Science and Environmental Program for Grades 6 and 7 students in
the Saskatoon Public School Division. He continually gives back to the
community, helping science come alive for the next generation.
President's Service Award - Danielle Fortosky will be honoured with this
award. A U of S employee for 29 years, she is currently the Director of the
Division of Media and Technology (DMT). Fortosky has succeeded in making DMT
a first-class campus agency that is the envy of many Canadian universities.
She recently helped to lay the groundwork for the Technology Enhanced
Learning program, resulting in millions of dollars for development of online
courses at Saskatchewan's post-secondary institutions. She also lead an
initiative to upgrade more than 60 U of S lecture theatres, classrooms and
labs with multimedia technologies. Fortosky and her staff have won 93
national and international awards for programs they have produced, averaging
four per year since 1980.
J.W. George Ivany Internationalization Award - This award was established to
recognize extraordinary contributions toward the internationalization of the
U of S. The fall 2003 winner is Professor Jim Handy from the Department of
History, College of Arts and Science. As the Coordinator of the
International Studies program, he enhanced opportunities for students to
work in international settings and helped build the program to the point
that students now flock to it. He also established the Guatemala Term Abroad
program, which gives students a four-month opportunity to study in that
country. Handy was also instrumental in the development of the
University-wide mission statement on internationalization which has had an
impact on many other University planning documents.
Award for Distinction in Extension and Public Service - Murray Scharf has
been with the U of S since 1967. This award honours faculty members who have
made an outstanding effort to further the University's public service and
extension mission. In 1985, Scharf created the Saskatchewan Educational
Leadership Unit. Now in its 18th year, it has become a model for other
provinces to follow. In his current role as Director, Scharf has
spearheaded a number of valuable international training initiatives
including the Congress on Rural Education, which has been held annually for
the past eight years and attracts educators and community leaders from
across Canada.
Alumni Award of Achievement - Louise Forsyth will receive this year's award.
She is known for her dedication to several departments including Graduate
Studies and Research, Women's and Gender Studies, and the Women's Studies
Research Unit. She has actively lobbied for recognition of the vital
contribution made to Canadian universities by the humanities, social
sciences and fine arts, along with the need for appropriate funding support
for them. Forsyth is also internationally recognized for her research in
Quebec literature, Canadian women's theatre, and feminist theory.
Full citations, biographical notes and photographs are also available at
www.usask.ca/communications/awards
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For more information, please contact:
Erin Taman
Communications Officer
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-6919
Email: erin.taman@usask.ca
Website: www.usask.ca/communications
October 09, 2003
Janice MacKinnon Appointed to National Public Policy Think-Tank Board
Posted October 09, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Thursday, October 9, 2003 2003-10-07-AR
Janice MacKinnon Appointed to National Public Policy Think-Tank Board
University of Saskatchewan public policy professor Janice MacKinnon has been
appointed to the board of the Institute for Research on Public Policy, an
independent, non-partisan national think-tank that aims to improve public
policy in Canada.
MacKinnon, a member of the history department who specializes in public
policy, is one of five new directors appointed to the 23-member board which
represents a broad range of expertise in government, business, labor, and
academe and includes representation from every region of the country.
"We feel truly privileged to have someone of Janice MacKinnon's experience,
competence, and breadth join our board," said IRPP president Hugh Segal.
"Her advice, perspective and insights will deeply enrich the quality of
board debates in support of the work of the IRPP."
Chaired by former Ontario Premier Bob Rae, the Montreal-based IRPP aims to
advance new ideas that will help Canadians make more effective policy
choices, as well as enhance the quality of the debate on major public
issues. The institute provides analysis and policy proposals focusing on
strategic choices needed to promote economic performance, social progress,
and sound democratic governance.
MacKinnon, a frequent contributor to public policy debates at the national
level, has authored three books, including one on political culture
published by Harvard University Press and another on women refugees. Her
latest book, Minding the Public Purse: The Fiscal Crisis, Political
Trade-offs and Canada's Future, was released in 2003 and deals with both the
fiscal crisis and the future of health care in Canada.
MacKinnon was Canada's first female finance minister, serving in the Roy
Romanow government from l993 to l997. During her tenure, Saskatchewan became
the first government in Canada to balance its budget in the l990s. During
her 10 years in politics, she also held several other portfolios including
social services, economic and co-operative development, and trade, research
and investment. She has also sat on various corporate boards.
She returned to the U of S history department in 2001.
More information about the IRPP is available at: www.irpp.org
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For more information, contact:
Kathryn Warden
Research Communications
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-2506
www.usask.ca/research
Jasmine Sharma
Director of Communications and Public Relations
IRPP
(514) 985-2461
jsharma@irpp.org
www.irpp.org
October 08, 2003
University of Saskatchewan Political Analysts
Posted October 08, 2003
University of Saskatchewan Political Analysts
The University of Saskatchewan has a number of experts on current political issues. The following contact information may be of use to media.
| Name | Department | Field of Expertise | Telephone |
| Allan Backman | Health Services Management - Commerce | Health Policy and Management | 966-8435 |
| Glen Beck | Economics - Arts and Science | Health Economics | 966-5203 |
| Ken Coates | Arts and Science | Post-secondary education | 966-4232 |
| Harley D. Dickinson | Sociology | Health care policy and reform | 966-6930 |
| Joseph Garcea | Political Studies | Provincial politics, public policy, local government | 966-5222 |
| Eric Howe | Economics | Economic forecasting, Economic impact analysis, Saskatchewan economy, Aboriginal economic development | 966-5212 |
| Grant Isaac | Management and Marketing - Commerce | Trade Policies | 966-2154 |
| Jim Miller | History | Aboriginal- non-Aboriginal relations | 966-5806 |
| Rosemary Venne | Industrial Relations and Organizational Behaviour | Changing demographics of Saskatchewan labour force and its implications | 966-8446 |
For more information, please contact:
Tina Merrifield
Communications
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-2213
Erin Taman
Communications
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-6919
2003 Celebrating Our Successes Gala Dinner and Awards Presentation
Posted October 08, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 8, 2003 2003-10-05-OTHER
2003 Celebrating Our Successes Gala Dinner and Awards Presentation
On Thurs. Oct. 16 the University of Saskatchewan Alumni Association will be
honouring six alumni during the sold out 2003 Celebrating Our Successes Gala
Dinner and Awards Presentation.
Award winners are as follows:
Alumni Award of Achievement - Dr. Louise Forsyth (BA'55, MA(UWO)'63,
PhD(UWO)'66) - Forsyth left her mark on the U of S for her dedication to the
departments of Graduate Studies and Research, Women's and Gender Studies,
Languages and Linguistics, Drama and the Women's Studies Research Unit. She
has recently served as President of the Humanities and Social Sciences
Federation of Canada, during which time she actively lobbied for recognition
of the vital contribution made to Canadian universities by the humanities,
social sciences and fine arts, along with the need for appropriate funding
support for them.
Alumni Service Award - Dr. Donald Stefiuk (BSC'73, MD'77) - Stefiuk has been
an active member of the College of Medicine Alumni Association since 1987.
He has served on their board numerous times and has been instrumental in the
planning of their annual medical conference. Stefiuk is a practicing family
physician in Saskatoon.
Alumni Humanitarian Award - Mr. Peter Zakreski (BA'61) - Zakreski is a
tireless community volunteer who worked hard to bring many well-known
sporting events to Saskatoon. Most recently he was the chairman of the 2007
World University Games bid committee.
Alumni Honour Award - Dr. Sharon Butala (BEd'62, BA'63, PGD'73,
LLD(Regina)'00) - Butala is an accomplished author who has written 14 books,
many of which have gone on to become best sellers on a variety of lists. She
has won numerous writing accolades and along with her husband, many
conservation awards and honours as well.
Alumni Mentorship Award - Mr. Alan Thomarat (BA'95) - Thomarat has spent
over 25 years in the private sector as an owner and operator of retail and
wholesale enterprises and as a manufacturer's agent and trade broker. This
expertise is shared with U of S students through the Career Internship
Program. As business director and co-founder of the program, Thomarat has
created a valuable opportunity to strengthen the links between students,
universities, organizations and government in communities across the
province.
Outstanding Young Alumni Award - Mr. Benjamin Voss (BE'99) - Voss is a
successful scientist, engineer and entrepreneur who brought two companies to
life in only two years. Based in Saskatoon, his work involves the creation
of new energy technologies which could impact Canada and the world. Voss
works to foster respect for the environment while being loyal to his
province.
For full citations, photos and descriptions of the awards please visit:
http://www.usask.ca/alumni/alumnisite/association/2003recipients.shtml
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For more information, please contact:
Rob Theoret
Chair, Celebrating Our Successes Committee
Tel: (306) 651-4257
Email: robert.theoret@raymondjames.ca
or
Michelle Tarasoff
Alumni Officer (Services), University Advancement
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-4070
Email: michelle.tarasoff@usask.ca
October 06, 2003
New U of S Industry Liaison Office Managing Director Appointed
Posted October 06, 2003
NOTE: The ILUS name and acronym were changed after this release was issued.
As of 2004, the office is known as the Industry Liaison Office, or ILO.
For more information, visit the website at www.usask.ca/research/ilo.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Monday, October 6th, 2003 2003-10-02-OTHER
New U of S Industry Liaison Office Managing Director Appointed
A veteran knowledge transfer expert with experience in both industry and
academe will lead the new Industry Liaison of the University of Saskatchewan
(ILUS) office, Vice-President Research Steven Franklin announced today.
Doug Gill, currently Director of Industry Liaison at the University of
Western Ontario (UWO), will assume the position of ILUS Managing Director on
January 1 of 2004.
"Doug Gill brings to this position a wealth of experience and proven
leadership skills that will enhance our efforts to commercialize new
research ideas and discoveries," Franklin said, noting that the U of S aims
to triple its total revenues from commercialized university-developed
technology to $3 million by 2010.
"He has worked extensively with inventors, venture capitalists and others in
the creation and nurturing of spin-off companies and has negotiated a host
of agreements that match scientific expertise with industry needs."
The new ILUS office will be set up within the Research Office to encourage
invention and innovation by faculty, promote research collaboration and
technology transfer opportunities with industrial partners, and help form
spin-off companies that will create and market products from U of S
inventions.
ILUS will replace UST Inc., currently the university's technology transfer
arm, incorporating its four-member staff. The new office will assist
faculty in obtaining industrial contracts, commercialize U of S-developed
technologies, and raise awareness in the business community of research
investment and partnership opportunities at the U of S.
Since 1991, Gill has been involved in technology transfer at major Canadian
universities - University of British Columbia, University of Alberta, and
UWO. He has developed extensive experience in evaluating the patentability
and commercial potential of a wide variety of inventions from university
faculty, staff and students, as well as in negotiating collaborations with
industry.
Prior to 1991, he was involved in research and development, as well as
strategic technology planning, for a major Canadian petroleum company. He
holds an honours bachelor of science degree in chemistry from McMaster
University.
He is a past Vice-President of the Association of University Technology
Managers and continues to be actively involved in the delivery of the
association's Canadian basic licensing course. He is also a member of the
Licensing Executives Society. He has served in a leadership role in a number
of organizations including the London Chamber of Commerce, the London
Venture Group, London Small Business Centre, Biotech London, and the London
Tech Alliance.
Gill says the U of S is poised to make "major strides" in innovation through
the commercialization of technology and greater collaboration with
industrial partners.
"I look forward to leading this effort and working with an administration
that puts research and technology transfer high on its priority list," he
said. "Innovation through the use of new technologies creates competitive
advantage and ultimately results in the creation of jobs, economic activity
and the improvement of society in such areas as healthcare and the
environment."
He noted such activities cannot happen without faculty support.
"One of my first priorities will be to develop close relationships with
faculty involved in a wide variety of research," he said. "Another will be
to develop close ties with various levels of government, Innovation Place,
industry and the investment community."
Last fall, the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada committed
to at least double the amount of research collectively performed at Canadian
universities and to triple commercialization in partnership with government.
The commitment was in response to the federal government's innovation
strategy which aims to help Canada rank in the top five countries in the
world in terms of RandD performance by 2010: www.innovationstrategy.gc.ca
-30-
*Note to editors: A photo of Doug Gill is available upon request. For more
information about U of S technology transfer, visit
http://www.usask.ca/research/techtrans.shtml or contact:
Bryan Harvey
Co-ordinator of Agricultural Research
Office of the Vice-President Research
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-5795
Kathryn Warden
Research Communications
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-2506
kathryn.warden@usask.ca
www.usask.ca/research
U of S Research Team Awarded $1.25 M to Study Dementia Care for Rural Seniors
Posted October 06, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 6, 2003 2003-10-03- OTHER
U of S Research Team Awarded $1.25 M to Study Dementia Care for Rural
Seniors
Today a University of Saskatchewan research team was awarded $1.25 million
over five years from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and
partners to study new approaches for providing services to rural
Saskatchewan seniors who have Alzheimer's disease or other dementia.
The announcement was made in Ottawa by federal Health Minister Anne
McLellan.
The team will design and evaluate a special new clinic that will use
videoconferencing and other innovations to improve access to diagnostic and
treatment services for seniors in rural and remote areas. The team will also
evaluate caregiver training in rural home care and nursing homes, and
examine the use of existing dementia services in rural and remote areas.
"At present, we know very little about dementia in northern Saskatchewan,"
she said. "There are few medical referrals for dementia-related care and
few long-term care facilities available in remote regions of the province,"
said team leader Debra Morgan.
The CIHR will contribute a total of $750,000 from the Institute of Aging,
the Rural and Northern Health Research Initiative, and the Institute of
Health Services and Policy Research. Other funding comes from the U of S
($295,000), the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation ($120,000), and the
Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan ($85,000).
"This multi-disciplinary research will evaluate new dementia care and
training strategies that could greatly benefit individuals with dementia and
their caregivers in rural and remote Saskatchewan communities," said Steven
Franklin, U of S Vice-President of Research. "At present, rural seniors have
to make numerous trips to various health service providers which can be
costly, time-consuming and stressful. This research could lead to one-stop
shopping for dementia assessment and treatment services."
"I am proud CIHR is able to support projects that reflect such a
collaborative approach to health research, an approach that helps us to
examine the pressing health questions from a variety of angles," said CIHR
president Alan Bernstein. "By partnering with organizations in the voluntary
sector, we can share information and hear directly from patients, helping us
ensure that the research we fund reflects the needs of Canadians."
Morgan, associate professor at the U of S Institute of Agricultural Rural
and Environmental Health (I.ARE.H), says dementia rates are expected to
double in the next 30 years as baby boomers age. Saskatchewan has the
highest proportion of seniors in Canada -- 15 per cent. Many of these
seniors live in small towns and villages far from specialized care
providers, which can make accessing these services costly and
time-consuming.
To diagnose and treat dementia more quickly and efficiently, the team will
set up a memory clinic in Saskatoon that will provide a one-day,
multidisciplinary assessment for seniors in rural and remote communities.
The assessment will include a physical and neuropsychological evaluation,
followed by a meeting to discuss diagnosis and treatment.
Videoconferencing will be used before and after the clinic visit to conduct
pre-screening and follow-up. The researchers will then evaluate the
usefulness of this approach. The videoconferencing will involve up to 14
rural communities that are more than 100 kilometers from a major centre.
The project will assess the training needs of nursing aides working in rural
and remote areas of the province and evaluate an existing dementia care
training program that is currently available by correspondence. The team
will also develop a culturally sensitive method of assessing memory problems
in Aboriginal seniors.
Other team members are Norma Stewart (nursing), Margaret Crossley
(psychology), Carl D'Arcy (applied research), Jay Biem (I.ARE.H.), Andrew
Kirk (neurology) and Dorothy Forbes (nursing). Graduate students in
nursing, medicine and psychology will also be involved.
The grant is part of more than $30 million awarded to 23 health research
projects across Canada through the CIHR New Emerging Team (NET) grant
program, which encourages the creation of collaborative, multi-disciplinary
teams that explore pressing health research questions from a broad range of
perspectives.
"By investing in research, the Government of Canada is helping to foster a
vibrant Canadian research community that is attracting and keeping the best
and the brightest in Canada," said Health Minister Anne McLellan. "The
Canadian research community will help us develop a more responsive Canadian
healthcare system and translate research into improved health for
Canadians."
"This team is studying a critical, but relatively unexplored, health service
issue," said June Bold, CEO of the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation.
"We are pleased to be a funding partner in this leading-edge research and
look forward to results that will help improve dementia care for rural
seniors in Saskatchewan and other parts of Canada."
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For more information, contact:
Professor Debra Morgan
Institute of Agricultural Rural and Environmental Health
(306) 966-7905
Kathryn Warden
U of S Research Communications
(306) 966-2506
kathryn.warden@usask.ca
www.usask.ca/research
Janet Weichel McKenzie
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
(613) 941-4563
October 03, 2003
U of S Historian's Research May Assist Treaty Debate
Posted October 03, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 3, 2003 2003-10-01-AR
U of S Historian's Research May Assist Treaty Debate
A University of Saskatchewan history professor is using intergenerational
memory, Oblate missionary records and a dead pictographic language to study
how an Aboriginal society acquires and uses historical knowledge -- work
that may further current treaty negotiations between the government and
British Columbia's First Nations.
Professor Keith Carlson says the Sto:lo (pronounced "Stahlow"0) tribes, who
assert title to B.C.'s Fraser Valley, believe that the Canadian government
owes them a quarter of all revenue earned from the use of their traditional
territory over the last 150 years.
"According to tradition, at a large public gathering in the mid-19th
century, the Queen's representative 'proclaimed' that the Sto:lo people
would obtain 25 cents from every dollar raised through the sale and
exploitation of their land and resources," says Carlson, who worked for 10
years as a Sto:lo treaty advisor and research director before joining the U
of S in 2001.
This proclamation is referred to by the Sto:lo as the "Crown's Promise" and
is considered a sacred covenant between their ancestors and the British
government.
Each year from 1862 to 1974, Oblates worldwide submitted reports to their
headquarters in France. Only two complete sets of these reports exist in
Canada - one in Ottawa and one at the U of S. Carlson feels the previously
overlooked records may contain important context for understanding the
Sto:lo claim.
Memory of the promise has been kept alive in Sto:lo oral traditions, handed
down as history through multiple generations. But no archival record of the
agreement has ever surfaced and no payment has ever been made.
The Canadian government does not acknowledge the claim and now wants to
negotiate a modern treaty because in their view no prior agreement exists.
The Sto:lo, who place high value on community members who carry oral
history, feel they already have an agreement.
During the three-year study, funded by the Social Science and Humanities
Research Council (SSHRC), Carlson and U of S graduate student Darren Friesen
will work closely with Sto:lo elders in an effort to better understand the
role of the "Crown's Promise" within Sto:lo society.
As well, they will examine the history of Sto:lo literacy to determine how
the 19th century change from an oral to a literate society has affected
memory and orality as a means of recording and understanding historical
events.
With graduate student Julie da Silva and University of Victoria linguistic
doctoral student David Robertson, Carlson will also examine records created
by French-speaking Oblate missionaries who introduced literacy to the Sto:lo
and are considered witnesses to the "Crown's Promise."
The Oblates also published an obscure journal, the Kamloop's Wawa, in a
now-forgotten pictographic language created to teach Natives to read and
write. For the first time, the journal will be analyzed for historical
content.
An important goal of the project is "to generate scholarship that will allow
people from both communities to speak more effectively to one another --
work that may assist with treaty negotiations," says Carlson, noting that
the only modern treaty in British Columbia is the 1999 Nisga'a agreement
negotiated with the help of U of S Chancellor Tom Molloy.
"The role of historical knowledge and the methods by which it is processed
and communicated differ between cultures and across time," Carlson explains.
"We need to extend our definitions of 'history' to accommodate ideas from
other cultures. Aboriginal people have tried to convey their world view to
us, but we haven't listened."
Some of the Oblate records at U of S were purchased from a Montreal book
dealer by a library assistant in the early 1970s. These are housed in the
main library's special collections department. The other part of the set
originally came from the Scolasticat de L'Immaculee Conception at Ste-Agathe
des Monts, Quebec and were acquired by Father Alphonse de Valk in the late
1960s. They are housed in St. Thomas Moore's Shannon Library on the U of S
campus.
-30-
This news release was prepared through the U of S SPARK (Students Promoting
Awareness of Research Knowledge) Program run by Research Communications,
Office of the Vice-President Research, University of Saskatchewan. For more
information, contact:
Kathryn Warden
Research Communications
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-2506
www.usask.ca/research
October 02, 2003
Saskatchewan Order of Merit Recipients Have Strong Connections to University of Saskatchewan
Posted October 02, 2003
September 30, 2003Government Relations and Aboriginal Affairs
Citizens Receive Provinces's Highest Honour
Lieutenant Governor Lynda Haverstock announced the recipients of the Saskatchewan Order of Merit today.
The Order of Merit is the province's highest honour and recognizes outstanding contributions in the arts, business, the professions, research, education, community leadership and public service.
More information is available at the following website:
http://www.gov.sk.ca/newsrel/releases/2003/09/30-727.html.
