"The Indigenous Studies Portal is a ground-breaking, strategic response to the University of Saskatchewan's plan to play a leading role in Aboriginal education, research and scholarship," said Vicki Williamson, Dean of the University Library. "The project has been a major undertaking, and by year's end we expect the portal's collection to exceed 10,000 entries."

The unique Indigenous Studies Portal is the largest database of full-text Indigenous resources in Canada freely available to students, faculty and researchers. A number of Indigenous Studies theses, not previously available electronically, are also included in the portal.

In conjunction with Student Orientation activities, a celebration of the portal's launch is set to take place at 10:30 a.m., August 30, 2007 at the University of Saskatchewan's Quance Theatre, located in the Education Building. The program will include ceremonies with elders and drummers, and a demonstration of the portal's search capabilities.

Located in the heart of Saskatoon, the University of Saskatchewan is one of the leading medical doctoral universities in Canada. With a unique emphasis on human, animal and plant sciences, the University offers degree, diploma and certificate programs in over 100 areas of study. World class research facilities, renowned faculty and award winning students make the U of S a leader in post-secondary education.

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For additional information, contact:

Deborah Lee
Indigenous Studies Portal Team Leader
University Library
University of Saskatchewan
Telephone (306) 966-6019