REGINA, February 22, 2021— La Cité universitaire francophone and the University of Regina (La Cité) will be offering a bilingual Minor in African Studies starting next September.

This program is designed to enrich La Cité’s choice of programs while focusing on the intercultural dimension. As courses related to African Studies are already offered by some faculties at the University of Regina, La Cité will offer a bilingual component through the use of partnerships. It is anticipated that this new program will promote a better understanding of the issues relating to colonization, slavery and racism, which have shaped the various African diasporas. The program will consist of two compulsory courses and four elective courses, with the possibility of studying in Africa.

Commenting on the program, Emmanuel Aito, Director of La Cité “This is an excellent way to develop an understanding of the African diaspora, which is increasingly present in the Fransaskois community.” He also adds that “this announcement is being made as part of Black History Month, a time of sharing and reconciliation.”

This type of program exists at other universities, such as Brock University, University of Calgary, Carleton, University of Toronto and, York University.

REGINA – February 18, 2020 – The University of Regina and La Cité universitaire francophone completed two renovation projects that will serve the needs of students and the community.

The first is La Cité’s theatre space, CT 215, next to La Rotonde, saw improvements to its sound and lighting systems, infrastructure, and stage with the goal of hosting more cultural events and increasing community engagement.

Two classrooms, CT 130 and 131, has also been undergoing a renovation that includes a new skyfold wall between the two, allowing for a more flexible classroom experience.

La Cité universitaire francophone’s Director, Dr. Emmanuel Aito, explains that the renovations will improve the quality of the building while also ensuring it becomes a cultural destination. 

“This room will serve not only as a theatre, but as a gallery space for the university and Fransaskois community complete with Francophone art. We will also be able to host more students in our classrooms, thanks for our new skyfold wall that allows for a larger space.”

The renovation project is now completed. The student and Fransaskois community is invited to celebrate this project on March 25, 2020 starting at 5 p.m at the Theatre (CT215) in La Cite (3737 Wascana Parkway in Regina).

Regina, July 3, 2018 - Dr. André Magnan has been appointed Associate Director of La Cité universitaire francophone at the University of Regina, effective July 1, 2018. 

“I'm thrilled to join the team at La Cité. This is a unique and dynamic academic unit on campus,” says Magnan, an alumnus of the U of R.

“We are delighted to welcome Dr. André Magnan as part of the leadership team at La Cité. As Associate Director, he will be directly responsible for our academic programming and research,” says Dr. Emmanuel Aito, the Director of La Cité universitaire francophone.

Magnan will also assist the Director in the areas of academic policy, student admissions, faculty recruitment, and budget development.

“Dr. Magnan's academic expertise, research, scholarship, and francophone experience will constitute an excellent complement to the work of our existing academic colleagues and administrative personnel,” Aito adds.

Magnan, an Associate Professor of Sociology and Social Studies at the University of Regina, will continue to teach and conduct research during his three-year administrative appointment with La Cité.

“I was raised in a Francophone home in Alberta and Saskatchewan. My kids are fifth generation French-speakers from Western Canada, something I'm very proud of. Education is the cornerstone for the survival of the French language and Francophone culture in Western Canada,” says Magnan.

With a Bachelor of Science, Honours, in Biochemistry from the University of Saskatchewan, a Master of Arts in Social Studies from the University of Regina, and a PhD in Sociology from the University of Toronto, Magnan joined the U of R faculty full-time in 2008, having taught his first course at the University in 2004.

Most recently, Magnan was Academic Convenor at the highly successful Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences hosted by the U of R. It attracted 5,300 scholars from across Canada and abroad, and was the largest conference in the history of Regina.

“Now I'm looking forward to getting down to work at La Cité. Whatever challenges lay ahead, I will do my best to serve the interests of La Cité, its students, the University, and the wider francophone community,” he says.

The mission of La Cité universitaire francophoneis to fulfill the university education needs of Saskatchewan’s francophones, whatever their first language. La Citéplays an active role in the cultural, linguistic and professional development of the Fransaskois community by offering credit and non-credit courses and programs.                                                                

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Source: 

Léa Beaulieu Prpick, Marketing and Recruitment Officer

lea.prpick@uregina.ca | 306.585.5180

Regina, June 12, 2017 - The return to classes at the Faculty of Nursing in September 2018 may be much different from other years. The SCBScN program at the University of Regina, pending federal funding, will for the first time welcome a cohort of seven students taking the program’s new bilingual option. 

Thanks to the drive and ongoing support of numerous players from the Francophone community, the program is now the focus of a solid partnership between the Faculty of Nursing and La Cité universitaire francophone.   The goal of the bilingual bachelor’s program is clear: to provide Saskatchewan students with the opportunity to obtain professional nursing education, half in French, half in English.

Saskatchewan’s first bilingual university nursing program will be part of the Saskatchewan Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing (SCBScN), a university program offered jointly by the University of Regina and Saskatchewan Polytechnic, which admits 345 students each year. The bilingual option is the same curriculum as the traditional program in English, with a base of 120 credits to be obtained over four years of study. A professional French immersion placement is also planned for the final year.

The hiring of two bilingual professors marks a decisive new step in the program’s launch. Dr. LéonieMvumbi Mambu holds a doctorate in community health-clinical sciences from the University of Sherbrooke and a master’s degree in advanced practical nursing from the University of Montreal and. Originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Léonie worked for more than ten years in Kinshasa in the medical sector of a public company and in higher education in nursing. She then worked as a registered nurse in various clinical settings, including in Montreal and Ottawa. Ms. Sandra Clermont-Pierre, originally from Quebec, received her bachelor of nursing degree from the University of Ottawa in 2009, and a master’s degree in health services administration from the University of Montreal in 2013. Her area of nursing expertise is in mental health, psychiatry in a hospital setting, ambulatory psychiatry, and psychiatry in the community setting.

These two professionals will take up their duties on July 1, 2017. They will take advantage of the 2017-2018 academic year to teach some courses in the SCBScN program in English as they actively prepare for the possibility of the bilingual optional curriculum in the 2018-2019 year.

On the condition of federal funding, the registration period for the bilingual option will open in October 2017; requests for information may already be submitted to the project manager, Francine Proulx-Kenzle, 306-533-3965 or francine.proulx-kenzle@uregina.ca.

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Source :

Céline Galophe, Communications Officer

La Cité universitaire francophone, University of Regina

celine.galophe@uregina.ca | 306.337.3226

The Centre for Research (CRFM) at La Cité is hosting researchers from around the world for the first edition of the University-Community Conference on Francophone Minority Communities

Regina, Tuesday, October 4, 2016 - The centre for research on Francophone minorities (Le Centre de recherche sur les francophonies en milieu minoritaire/CRFM) at La Cité universitaire francophone at the University of Regina is pleased to present, on October 5 and 6, the first edition of the International Interdisciplinary University-Community Conference on Relations, Practices and Representations of Inclusion in Francophone Minority Communities: Western Canada through the Prism of the Americas.

On the program

On Wednesday, October 5, a Cocktail reception in La Rotonde of the Language Institute Building (LI216) at the University of Regina will officially launch the event, offering you an opportunity to meet researchers from across Canada and to discuss the themes dealt with by the conference. The conference’s opening presentation will be delivered at 5:30 p.m. by Michelle Landry, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Sociology at the University of Moncton, New Brunswick.

The conference resumes on Thursday, October 6 at 8:15 a.m. with three panels and a roundtable on the program. Among the topics to be discussed: Inclusion in a minority environment on the Canadian prairies; Inclusion in a minority environment through the prism of other Canadian experiences; and Comparing and rethinking inclusion in a minority environment.

For more information on the program and the specific titles of the presentations for each of the three panels, see the following link: http://lacite.uregina.ca/en/research/events/conference-october-2016

Registration is required

Although the conference is open to anyone interested in the topic, we request that you register here: http://lacite.uregina.ca/en/research/events/conference-october-2016 There is a $20 fee to cover the translation service, parking, refreshments and Thursday’s lunch.

Translation Service

A simultaneous translation service will be provided for English-speakers wishing to attend the French language presentations.

This is a unique opportunity to meet nationally and internationally renowned researchers and to discuss with them issues related to the linguistic realities of peoples living in a minority environment.

For all interview requests and further information, please contact our communications officer. You are also welcome at La Rotonde (LI216) at the University of Regina on the day of the event.

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Source:

Julie Courcy
Communications Officer
La Cité universitaire francophone, University of Regina
Julie.courcy@uregina.ca | 306.337.3226

Student excellence rewarded by La Cité at the University of Regina

Regina, Friday September 16, 2016 – Celebrating student achievement was on the menu at La Cité universitaire francophone’s (La Cité) awards ceremony for first-year students enrolled in programs offered in French at the University of Regina.

Dr. Emmanuel Aïto, Acting Director at La Cité, presented new students with the following entrance awards on Thursday, September 15 at an event hosted by La Cité in partnership with CBC/Radio-Canada Saskatchewan, who was launching their upcoming season during this festive evening:
 

Beaubien Award – $750

The Beaubien scholarship is awarded to a Saskatchewan high school graduate with French-Canadian heritage, as outlined in Section 23 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The selection committee based its decision on academic excellence, community involvement and extracurricular activities. Congratulations to Brooke George, from École Bellegarde in Bellegarde, Saskatchewan, who is beginning her studies in the Baccalauréat en éducation française, elementary education.
 

ACUFC Award– $5,000

L’Association des collèges et des universités de la francophonie canadienne (ACUFC) is a consortium of 21 post-secondary institutions outside Québec that promote higher learning in French. Among the 25 scholarships available Canada-wide, La Cité was given the opportunity to award 3 scholarships to students with a French immersion or Core French background that are enrolled in a program offered in French at the University of Regina.

In addition to being in good academic standing, extracurricular and community involvement were also considered. Recipients must also agree to complete a 45-hour community-based project of their choice, in French. This year’s recipients are:

- Jessica Rohatynsky, a graduate of Sacred Heart High School in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, that is studying in the Baccalauréat en éducation française, secondary education with a minor in arts education;

- Annabel Asselin from Dr. Martin Leboldus Catholic High School in Regina, Saskatchewan is beginning her studies in the Baccalauréat en éducation française, elementary education;

- Piper Stewart, a recent graduate of Greenall High School in Balgonie, Saskatchewan, who is enrolled in the Certificate in French as a Second Language program.
 

La Cité Graduate Studies Award – $5,000

This scholarship is awarded to students in either the Master of Arts in French or the Maîtrise en éducation française. Preference is given to students whose thesis falls within the fields of French-Canadian or francophone studies and education in French. Although unable to attend the ceremony, the recipients are Marie-Josée LeBel, who teaches in Swift Current, Saskatchewan, and Erika Baldo, who teaches in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

We would like to extend our warm congratulations to the scholarship recipients and we wish them all the best in their upcoming studies.

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Source :

Julie Courcy
Communications Officer
La Cité universitaire francophone, University of Regina
Julie.courcy@uregina.ca | 306.337.3226

New Interim Director at La Cité universitaire francophone

Regina, Monday, August 15, 2016 – The University of Regina is pleased to announce the appointment of Emmanuel Aïto, Ph.D., as acting director of La Cité universitaire francophone. Following consultations with faculty members and administrative staff, President Timmons on Friday announced the appointment of Dr. Aïto, who will occupy the position from August 15, 2016 until June 30, 2017.

Emmanuel Aïto, Ph.D., presently associate professor in the Department of Francophone and Intercultural Studies, is a specialist in French linguistics. His research includes highlighting the linkages between democracy and language, particularly as related to the influence of policy and politics on minority languages. Until recently, this professor and researcher served as Head of the Department of Francophone and Intercultural Studies, a position he held for more than ten years. Dr. Aïto has worked at the University of Regina for 18 years.

Sophie Bouffard and Emmanuel Aïto will act as joint directors of La Cité until August 31, 2016, after which Dr. Bouffard will assume her duties as President and Vice Chancellor of the University of Sudbury. Dr. Bouffard has served the University of Regina for 14 years. Over the last two years in particular she has contributed to ensuring the transition of the Institut français to La Cité universitaire francophone and to obtaining academic status for that body.

For interview requests, please contact our communications officer.

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Source:

Julie Courcy
Communications Officer
La Cité universitaire francophone, University of Regina
julie.courcy@uregina.ca | 306.337.3226 

Two weeks of French Immersion for Adults at La Cité: Francophone Culture in the spotlight at the University of Regina

Regina, Monday July 4, 2016 – The Summer Immersion program for adults as begun at La Cité universitaire francophone! This year, from July 4 to 15, 45 participants are experiencing French language and culture, taking part in a redesigned program of rewarding activities created to improve their comprehension and spoken and written communications skills.

The immersion program is offered each year on the University of Regina campus, providing participants with an unforgettable French immersion experience.

What’s New this Year?

This year, La Cité is offering a diverse program of activities aimed at expanding students’ vocabulary and developing comprehension and spoken expression. Using the themes of travel and culture, adult participants will, among other things, learn French through spoken communication workshops and experience-based activities, including travel preparation, a look at customs in other parts of the world, and an interactive game to learn and practice new material.

New and Returning Students

Writer, editor and photographer Shelley Banks is taking part in the immersion program for the first time. She believes that Regina is extremely fortunate to have such a summer course available to adults. She says that she enrolled to get her French back to the level it was when she lived in Montreal, adding “I'd also like to be able to speak French more confidently with my son and his partner when I visit them in Quebec or when they come to Saskatchewan.”

While some are experiencing the immersion program for the first time, others return year after year. That’s the case with Dianne Warren. Language learning is an enjoyable pastime for her, or as she says, “Learning French is like taking music lessons.” She says she has “always wanted to speak French because so many people in Canada do. The language is so familiar, and yet so many of us can’t speak it.” Why summer immersion? “The summer program is an opportunity to immerse myself without spending a lot of money,” she says.

Students are certainly in for a rewarding experience, especially given the support and attention of our highly qualified and dynamic instructors. Beginner, intermediate or advanced – welcome to the 2016 Summer Immersion program!

For more information about the Summer Immersion program or any other program offered by La Cité universitaire francophone, visit our website at lacite.uregina.ca

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For further information or an interview, please contact:

Julie Courcy
Communications Officer
La Cité universitaire francophone, University of Regina
Julie.courcy@uregina.ca | 306.337.3226

The Institut français becomes the first official TEF test centre in Saskatchewan

Regina, March 2, 2015 – The Institut français has become the first institution in Saskatchewan to be officially recognized by the French Language Centre of the Paris Ile-de-France Chamber of Commerce and Industry to administer the Test d’évaluation de français (TEF). The TEF is a general French test designed to assess the French-language knowledge and skills level of Francophones and individuals whose first language is not French. Because no certified TEF centre existed in Saskatchewan until now, those wanting to obtain an assessment of their language skills had to travel to Winnipeg, Edmonton or Calgary, to mention just the closest centres. 

The Institut français offers three versions of the TEF: TEF Canada, TEF general and TEFAQ

The TEF Canada is accepted as proof of language ability by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) for applications for permanent residence and Canadian citizenship. 

The General TEF provides a quick and accurate assessment of the general language skills of candidates whose first language is not French. It leads to an internationally-recognized certificate attesting to the candidate’s exact placement within one of the six levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

As opposed to the TEF Canada, the TEFAQ, the French assessment test for admission to Quebec, is intended for candidates for immigration to the province of Quebec. It is the version of the TEF recognized by Quebec’s Department of Immigration, Diversity and Inclusion for the purposes of official immigration applications. 

Detailed certification 

The TEF leads to a certificate. Each one is detailed and customized and provides scores and personalized comments. It measures the level of skill and knowledge in general French by ranking the candidate on a seven-point scale indexed to the levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages and to Canadian Language Benchmarks. 

Upcoming TEF sessions

Testing sessions take place over one day at the Institut français at the University of Regina, beginning at 8:30 a.m. 

No diploma or degree is required to take TEF tests. A candidate may take the test numerous times. 

For complete information on general conditions, test overviews and fees, or to register for upcoming TEF test sessions, please go to: www.institutfrancais.uregina.ca > Institut français > Test d’évaluation du français (TEF).

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Source: 

Véronique Gauthier Milo 
Communications Officer
University of Regina | Institut français 
Tel.: 306.337.3226
veronique.gauthier@uregina.ca

Announcing Le statut du français dans l'Ouest canadien: la cause Caron: Expert Investigation into Landmark Supreme Court Challenge on Bilingualism in the West

Regina, February 10, 2015 – As the Supreme Court of Canada prepares to hear the Caron case beginning February 13, the Centre canadien de recherche sur les francophonies en milieu minoritaire, the research centre on Francophone minority communities at the Institut français at the University of Regina, and the Saskatchewan Association of Francophone Jurists announce the publication of an original academic work dealing with the issues in this important case which raises the question of the obligations of the provincial governments of Alberta and Saskatchewan with respect to bilingualism. 

Le statut du français dans l’Ouest canadien : la cause Caron (The Status of French in Western Canada: the Caron Case), edited by Sophie Bouffard and Peter Dorrington and published by the prestigious Éditions Yvon Blais, lays out the commitments made by the Crown with respect to bilingualism at the provincial and territorial levels at the time Canada annexed the West, as well as the impact of the non-recognition of these rights on the Francophone communities of the West since then.  

The ruling that the country’s highest court will hand down in the months to come will have considerable impact and enormous repercussions for the question of bilingualism in Canada. Whatever it is, the Supreme Court’s verdict will send a powerful message regarding its conception of the Canadian federation, past and present, and where it sees linguistic duality ranking among the fundamental values that define Canada. 

The book is the result of a national symposium organized at the University of Regina in 2010 by the Institut français and the Saskatchewan Association of Francophone Jurists. Contributions to the work come from ten eminent researchers who examine interpretations of language rights in Western Canada through the lens of disciplines that include history, sociology, law and political science:   

• Gratien Allaire, Laurentian University
• Edmund A. Aunger, Campus Saint-Jean, University of Alberta
• Wilfrid Denis, University of Saskatchewan
• Michel Doucet, Université de Moncton 
• Pierre Foucher, University of Ottawa
• Yves Frenette, Université de Saint-Boniface 
• Raymond M. Hébert, Université de Saint-Boniface
• Rodrigue Landry, Université de Moncton 
• François Larocque, University of Ottawa 
• Mark Power, University of Ottawa

The book is now on sale from the Institut français and the Saskatchewan Association of Francophone Jurists at a cost of $20. It may also be ordered online!

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For more information please contact:  

Véronique Gauthier Milo 
Communications Officer
Institut français — University of Regina
Tel.: 306.337.3226
veronique.gauthier@uregina.ca

Director's Message

I am delighted to welcome you to the Institut français! 

I must tell you how moved and inspired I am by the resilience of Western Canadian Francophones and their capacity for innovation. The Institut français, a young institution in Saskatchewan, is a perfect example of this creative, pioneering spirit. 

A true hub of French-language university education in Saskatchewan, the Institut français is the product of a strategic partnership between the University of Regina and the Fransaskois community: a model that is unique in the Canadian university milieu. 

The Institut français was created in 2003 with the mission of fulfilling the postsecondary education needs of Saskatchewan’s French-speakers, no matter what their first language. To do this, it offers university credit courses and programs, high-quality continuing education programs, a wide range of student services, cutting-edge university-community initiatives and an innovative program of research on Francophone minority communities.  

With its philosophy of community engagement and its research centre, the Institut français is a lively focus of discussion and reflection on current issues of concern to the Francophonie. The status of French as an official language in Canada, immigration, cultural diversity and the challenges of inclusion, community development alternatives and citizen engagement are themes rooted at the core of our programming and which orient our actions and initiatives. The Institut français plays an important role in the development and outreach of the Fransaskois community. Like a living laboratory, our research centre (CRFM), with its emphasis on an interdisciplinary and comparative approach, offers an innovative research program that gives priority to the experience  of the Fransaskois community. On the national stage, the CRFM is probably also the only research centre which operates so close to the field! 

The Institut français is also a welcoming meeting place. I hope to see you in our Rotonde to discuss issues of interest to the local and international Francophone communities, as well as your own aspirations for French-language postsecondary education in Saskatchewan, so that we can continue to develop a unifying and forward-looking vision for our Institut.  

I look forward to welcoming you to our Francophone campus! 

Sophie Bouffard, Ph.D.
Director
Institut français, University of Regina

Explore program in Gaspé: a success!

Gaspé, QC, July 31, 2014 – The summer season is the best time to travel and enjoy new experiences. And so, 42 students from across Canada and from the United States began their summer immersed in a Francophone environment in the magical setting of Gaspé. For the sixth year in a row, the Institut français at the University of Regina offered the EXPLORE Program in Gaspé. 

The Institut français’s EXPLORE Program combines outdoor activities with oral communication activities. Over a five-week period, the 16- and 17-year-old participants are exposed to French through more than 190 hours of outdoor activities and courses. This year, students had the opportunity to explore the charming attractions of the town of Gaspé while taking part in a host of activities, including a trip to Percé Rock, a day of canyoning, sailing lessons, a sea kayak expedition and a camping weekend. 

Lorraine Laliberté, director of the EXPLORE program in Gaspé, says she is thrilled with the success of the sixth edition. “Gaspé is a fantastic region. The people are friendly and offer us a warm welcome. We have a good team of instructors and enthusiastic students. The young people have not only made progress in their French skills, but they’ve also been able to use what they’ve learned in fun situations.” 

The Institut français thanks the Town of Gaspé and the Cégep de la Gaspésie et des Îles which have hosted the EXPLORE program since its inception in 2009. The 2014 edition of the program ended on August 1st. 

EXPLORE is an immersion program for young people sponsored by the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC). It is intended to promote French and English as second languages at the national level and to provide young people with a context in which they can put their language skills into practice in a social, total immersion environment. 

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For further information:                       

Véronique Gauthier Milo
Communications Officer
Institut français — University of Regina
Tel.: 306.337.3226
veronique.gauthier@uregina.ca

14 CFSL Students Hosted by Saskatchewan Francophone Organizations 

Regina, Thursday, April 10, 2014 - Students from the Certificate in French as a Second Language program (CFSL) at the University of Regina put their knowledge to use in various Francophone organizations throughout the province as part of an internship project.

The CFSL, offered by the Department of French in partnership with the Institut français, is an intensive one-year program that allows students to achieve a strong intermediate level of French, both spoken and written. The goal of these unpaid internships is to enable participants to establish communication in French in a work environment and to develop relationships with the Fransaskois community.  

Kyla Hosie describes her internship experience in a Francophone environment as the highlight of the certificate program: “I learned a lot in one week. My internship with the Fédération des Francophones de Saskatoon gave me the opportunity to discover a new culture, communicate in French and meet new people. It was absolutely great!” 

Eric Lefol said he was delighted by his intern’s desire to learn and was very impressed by the quality of her French. “Kyla is the second student we’ve hosted since I’ve been director of the Federation. She took her internship very seriously. I noticed that some people tried to speak English with her, but Kyla always brought the discussion back to French. We’re very pleased with the attitude and skills of Institut français students.” 

In total, ten provincial organizations opened their doors to students this year. They are: the Fédération des Francophones de Saskatoon, the Assemblée communautaire fransaskoise, Radio-Canada, Collège Mathieu, Monseigneur de Laval School, Farm Credit Canada, the Conseil culturel fransaskois, the Association des parents fransaskois, the Petits Pingouns education centre and the Gard’amis daycare. The Department of French and the Institut français wish to thank these Francophone organizations for their involvement. 

The Institut français meets the postsecondary educational needs of Saskatchewan’s Francophone and bilingual students. It is engaged in the cultural and linguistic development of the Fransaskois community. 

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Source: 

Véronique Gauthier Milo
Communications Officer    
University of Regina / Institut français
306.337.3226
veronique.gauthier@uregina.ca

Research Grant Competition 2014

Seven new research and publication projects awarded grants by the CRFM 

Regina, April 9, 2014 - The Centre canadien de recherche sur les francophonies en milieu minoritaire at the Institut français (CRFM) is proud to announce the winners of its ninth annual Research Grant Competition. This year, the CRFM granted $28,990 to researchers and organizations from across the country. The evaluation committee awarded seven grants for research and publication projects, ranging from $2,000 to $5,000, to academic researchers and to a community organization chosen from among 16 projects. 

Since 2005, the CRFM has provided grants to 63 original projects that share in a philosophy of university-community engagement aimed at furthering understanding of the Francophone minority experience. 
 
Among the seven projects receiving a grant in the 2014 competition, two have particular ties to Saskatchewan: 

• Janique Dubois of Brock University receives a $5,000 grant for her research project entitled “Another way of living and working together: an analysis of Fransaskois governance practices”.
• Wilfrid Denis of St. Thomas More College at the University of Saskatchewan also receives a $5,000 grant for his research project entitled “Breaking neocolonial hegemony: the case law of article 23 of the Charter as resistance and domination”. 

Other projects receiving grants:

Academic research project:

• Frédéric Boily, Ph.D., Campus Saint-Jean, University of Alberta: “The Francophonie and the historical consciousness of young Albertans: an exploration”
• Majella Simard, Ph.D., University of Moncton: “Issues and challenges surrounding an aging population in a Francophone minority setting and their impacts on land use planning in New Brunswick: a case study in rural and urban environments” 

Community research project:

• Fédération culturelle canadienne-française, Community organization: “Driving forces of the cultural hubs of the Canadian Francophonie”

Academic publishing project:

• Catherine Léger, Ph.D., University of Victoria: “The Francophonie in a minority setting: young people's views and bilingualism as a personal/identity value”
• Rémi Léger, Ph.D., Simon Fraser University: “Federalism and the Canadian Francophonie: updating the contributions of the Fédération des francophones hors Québec (1975-1982)”

The CRFM would like to congratulate the 2014 competition winners and take this opportunity to thank, and to emphasize the important contribution made by, the independent evaluation committee, which this year was made up of: Linda Cardinal, chairholder of the Research Chair on the Francophonie and Public Policy at the University of Ottawa, Anne Leis, chairholder of the Louis Schulman Chair in Cancer Research at the University of Saskatchewan, and Denis Rouleau, executive and artistic director of La Troupe du Jour in Saskatoon.

The CRFM develops, in a multidisciplinary and inter-institutional way, a research program that gives priority to the experience of the Fransaskois community, while being open to the experience of other Canadian and international Francophone communities seeking to affirm themselves in a minority context. 

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Source: 

Véronique Gauthier Milo
Communications Officer    
University of Regina / Institut français
306.337.3226
véronique.gauthier@uregina.ca

The EXPLORE Program in Gaspé: Already five years old!

Gaspé, QC, – The summer season is the best time to travel and enjoy new experiences. And so, 42 students from across Canada and from the United States began their summer immersed in a Francophone environment in the magical setting of Gaspé. For the fifth year in a row, the Institut français at the University of Regina offered the EXPLORE Program in Gaspé. 

The Institut français’s EXPLORE Program combines outdoor activities with oral communication activities. Over a five-week period, the 16- and 17-year-old participants are exposed to French through more than 190 hours of outdoor activities and courses. Taylor Crosby, a student originally from Nova Scotia, was thrilled to obtain her sailing certificate: “I’m really excited. I’d never done any sailing before and now I’m certified to do it by myself. It’s great!” 

David Salib, a student from Toronto, participated in the EXPLORE program to improve his French, as well as to take a vacation: “I decided to take part in the EXPLORE program because I love nature. There’s a beautiful forest behind the CEGEP, which is fantastic. It’s not just a learning experience, it’s also an incredible social experience. I made friends from all across Canada.” 

There’s something for everyone in the EXPLORE program. While some participants are excited about the outdoor activities, others are simply happy to learn French in a town as charming as Gaspé: “It’s very different from where I live in Chicago,” says Richard Padovano, a student originally from the U.S. “The people are so nice and it’s such a peaceful spot. I’d really like to come back here with my family.” 

The Institut français thanks the Town of Gaspé and the Cégep de la Gaspésie et des Îles which have hosted the EXPLORE program since its inception in 2009. The 2013 edition of the program ended on August 3.

EXPLORE is an immersion program for young people sponsored by the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC). It is intended to promote French and English as second languages at the national level and to provide young people with a context in which they can put their language skills into practice in a social, total immersion environment. 

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For further information:                       

Véronique Gauthier
Communications Officer
Institut français — University of Regina
Tel.: 306.337.3226
veronique.gauthier@uregina.ca

SUMMER IMMERSION AT L’INSTITUT FRANÇAIS: An unforgettable linguistic and cultural experience!

Regina, July 17, 2013 - Every year, the Institut français at the University of Regina hosts an immersion program for adults who wish take advantage of the summer months to boost their French skills. This year, 62 participants took part in this enriching opportunity from July 8-19. Participants of all skill levels are welcome to participate in this unique immersion experience.

Designed to improve participants’ comprehension and oral expression skills through courses and cultural activities, this intensive French-language training program creates multiple interaction opportunities. Besides writing, reading and oral interaction workshops, participants were invited to take part in a host of leisurely activities to hone their French skills: lunchtime sports; board games; an outing to the Kramer IMAX theatre; and a wine and food-tasting event at The Willow on Wascana.

While Pat Connolley has taken many French classes at the Institut français, this is his first experience with the summer immersion program: “It’s not a vacation! We work hard but we learn a lot. I made considerable progress in only one week. Now I feel much more confidant to express myself in French. I plan on participating in the summer immersion program for many years to come.” 

While some participants are here for the first time, others, like Carolina Smith (who is participating for a second time), are no strangers to the experience: “Taking part in the summer immersion program has allowed me to not only improve my vocabulary, but to create friendships with people who also speak French. It’s great!”

To learn more about the summer immersion program or other programs and classes offered at the Institut français, visit our website at www.institutfrancais.uregina.ca. 

The Institut français fulfills the post-secondary education needs of francophone and French-speaking students of Saskatchewan regardless of their first language. The Institut français is committed to the professional, linguistic and cultural development of the Fransaskois community.

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Source :

Véronique Gauthier
Communications Officer
Institut français — University of Regina
Tel.: 306.337.3226
veronique.gauthier@uregina.ca

Gabrielle Dufresne - Awarded the Dean of Fine Arts Prize

Regina, June 18, 2013 - Gabrielle Dufresne was awarded the Dean of Fine  Arts Prize at Convocation on June 6, an honour bestowed on a Fine Arts student  who has shown both academic achievement and leadership  while attending the University of Regina.  Ms Dufresne graduated with Distinction (with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, Major: Theatre (Acting), Minor: Anthropology. Ms Dufresne embodies the spirit of this award. She  demonstrated full engagement in her studies, her art,  and her community throughout her four years at the University of Regina.
 
Academically, Gabrielle has been a consistent achiever, showing growth in her performance and her interests from start to finish. Her awards include the Fine Arts Entrance Scholarship in 2009, the Faculty of Fine Arts Scholarship in 2012, and the McConica Family Legacy Scholarship in Fine Arts in 2012.

Perhaps more important than the academic awards is the  praise she has earned from her peers and professors as both a  leader and team player.  Professor Kelly Handerek of the Theatre Department has noted that she is the “...example of well rehearsed work, detailed homework completed, focused note taking and completely engaged presence in all work.”

Ms Dufresne has demonstrated leadership and commitment off-campus as well. A graduate of Laval High School, she has maintained her involvement with the Fransaskois community while at University. She particularly enjoys sharing her theatrical talents honed here with youth in French. In addition, Gabrielle had collaborated with other Fine Arts students to form the Split the Bill Film Troupe. In that capacity, she and other  students work across the disciplines to create something new and unique for our cultural landscape.

While many students are passionately engaged in their communities and dedicated to their studies, Gabrielle sees the intersection of both areas in her life as a spiritual pursuit. “There is nothing greater than contributing to the shared collective of emotional experiences and to nourish our Humanity.”  

Please join us in congratulating Ms Gabrielle Dufresne.

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Source :

Véronique Gauthier
Communications Officer
Institut français — University of Regina
Tel.: 306.337.3226
veronique.gauthier@uregina.ca

2013 Research Grant Competition: The CRFM awards almost $30,000 in grants

Regina, May 6, 2013 - The Centre canadien de recherche sur les francophonies en milieu minoritaire at the Institut français (CRFM) is proud to announce the winners of its Annual Research Grant Competition. This year, the CRFM provided $29,827 to researchers from across Canada. The evaluation committee awarded nine grants ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 to academic researchers selected from 18 proposals. 

The objective of the competition is to provide grants to original research projects that will increase understanding of the Francophone minority experience. Of the nine winning research projects, three have a specific connection with Saskatchewan: 

• Laurie Carlson Berg, Ph.D. of the University of Regina received a $2,000 grant for her planned publication entitled “The Canadian Francophonie in all its colours and the challenge of inclusive education” 
• Dustin McNichol, a doctoral student in history at the University of Saskatchewan, received $2,500 for his study “They want more, faster!: Political activism in Francophone Saskatchewan, 1982 to 1991” 
• Michelle Landry, Ph.D. of Shippagan Campus, Université de Moncton, received a $4,250 grant for her comparative study entitled “Governance structure and inclusion of diversity: A comparative study of the Assemblée communautaire fransaskoise and the Société de l'Acadie du Nouveau-Brunswick”

Other projects receiving funding:

• Lynne Bowker, Ph.D., University of Ottawa: “Francophone newcomers and the public library: could machine translation improve their experience?” 
• Carmen  D'Entremont, Université de Moncton: “Practical jokes: a way of life in Acadia” 
• Fédération de la jeunesse franco-ontarienne, Christine Dallaire, Ph.D., University of Ottawa: “The legacy and impact of work at FESFO” 
• Mireille McLaughlin, Ph.D., University of Ottawa: “Occupation and linguistic borders: the role of the labour market in Acadians’ language transfers”
• Sathya Rao, Ph.D., University of Alberta: “The structure of the field of French-language theatre in Alberta from 1970 to the present” 
• Elsa St. Onge, Université du Québec en Outaouais: “Assessment of health hubs as a citizen engagement model in French-language healthcare in northern Ontario”

The CRFM would like to congratulate the winners of the 2013 competition and take the opportunity to thank the evaluation committee members and underscore their major contribution. The committee was made up of Paul Clarke, Ph.D., professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of Regina; Denis Simard, executive director of the Assemblée communautaire fransaskoise; Sophie Bouffard, Ph.D., head of the Conservatory of Performing Arts at the University of Regina; and Annie Pilote, Ph.D., professor in the Faculty of Education Sciences, Université Laval. 

The CRFM is developing, in a multidisciplinary and inter-institutional way, a research program that gives priority to the experience of the Fransaskois community, while being open to the experience of other Canadian and international Francophone communities seeking to affirm themselves in a minority context. Since its creation in 2005, the CRFM has provided funding to more than 50 projects across Canada. 

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Information: 

Véronique Gauthier
Communications Officer
Institut français — University of Regina
Tel.: 306.337.3226
veronique.gauthier@uregina.ca

The Arab Spring Resonates in the Rotonde at the Institut français

Regina, April 8, 2013 – More than 50 people gathered at the Rotonde on April 4 for a conference on the Arab Spring, organized by the Institut français. The bilingual half-day conference offered participants an insight into the latest developments in the wave of protest which arose in the Muslim-Arab world, providing a picture of the situation in Algeria, Morocco, Egypt and the Gulf countries during the Arab Spring. 

Four speakers made presentations during the conference. Mohamed El-Darieby, Ph.D., a professor at the University of Regina, provided a pictorial narrative of the events that have taken place in Tahrir Square since January 2011. Brahim Benbouazza, a researcher at the University of Regina, explained how Morocco has escaped the upheaval seen by other countries during the Arab Spring. Sultan Alshehri, a University of Regina doctoral student, examined the changes that can be foreseen soon in the Gulf countries, inspired by the Arab Spring. Finally, Professor Amr Henni, Ph.D., explored the reasons that Algeria has not been directly affected by the revolutionary wave.  

The Acting Director of the Institut français, Sheila Petty, Ph.D., was gratified by the success of the event, especially because the project had been initiated by a member of the Fransaskois community:  

“It’s important to encourage and support community initiatives, particularly when they allow us to share a constructive look at a social movement as significant as the Arab Spring.” 

Special note was also made of the presence of Amnesty International – Saskatchewan at the event.

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For more information:

Véronique Gauthier Milo
Communications Officer
Institut français – University of Regina
Tel: 306.337.3226
veronique.gauthier@uregina.ca

Two Appointments at the Institut français

Regina, Tuesday, February 19, 2013 - The Institut français is proud to announce the appointment of two employees to the following positions:

• Karin Dupeyron – Coordinator, Centre canadien de recherche sur les francophonies en milieu minoritaire (CRFM)
• Sébastien Potvin – Advisor/Coordinator, Credit Programs and Student Services

Karin Dupeyron 

Ms. Dupeyron joins the team of the Institut français for the second time. Having first performed the duties of administrative assistant in 2008-2009, she now assumes the post of coordinator of the Centre canadien de recherche sur les francophonies en milieu minoritaire (CRFM), replacing Angeline Dubois, until September 2013. Originally from Brazil, Karin speaks four languages and holds a maîtrise degree in law from the Université de Strasbourg. She says she is delighted by her new role and hopes to contribute to the development of the Canadian and international Francophonie. 

Sébastien Potvin

Passionate about history, Mr. Potvin graduated in that field from the University of Regina in the spring of 2012. Before joining the team of the Institut français as advisor/coordinator for credit programs and student services, he worked at the head office of the Conseil des écoles fransaskoises. Sébastien is motivated to begin his career in such a youthful and vibrant atmosphere as exists at the University of Regina, and looks forward to assisting Francophone students in their professional development throughout their university experience. 

Please join us in congratulating Karin and Sébastien and offering them a warm welcome. To see a list of the Institut’s administration team, visit our website at  www.institutfrancais.uregina.ca

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Source: 

Véronique Gauthier Milo
Communications Officer
Institut français — University of Regina
Tel.: 306.337.3226
veronique.gauthier@uregina.ca

Saveurs et savoirs: A Unique and Authentic Discovery of the Trinité Region

Friday, February 1, 2013 – The Institut français is pleased to announce that a second edition of the Saveurs et savoirs magazine will be published in 2013. Having explored the greater Batoche region in 2010, readers will be able to discover the Trinité region in a unique, authentic way beginning this fall.  

Aimed at highlighting the culture, heritage, history and abundance of the Fransaskois terroir, this new edition of the Saveurs et savoirs magazine will introduce well-known producers and artisans from the region, as well as revealing ancestral knowledge that has been carefully preserved by the elders of the Trinité community. 

This publication is made possible thanks to a collaboration between the Institut français and Annette Desmarais, Ph.D., head of the International Studies department at the University of Regina and a specialist in food sovereignty. Investigations in the Trinité region will begin in February, to be carried out by Agathe Gaulin, with the assistance of Georgette Duhaime.

This initiative is part of the Terroir and Rural Development Program initiated in 2005 by the Institut français and the Assemblée communautaire fransaskoise (ACF). 

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Source:

Véronique Gauthier
Communications Officer
Institut français — University of Regina
Tel.: 306.337.3226
veronique.gauthier@uregina.ca

Sheila Petty Acting Director of Institut français

Regina, August 27, 2012 - The University of Regina is pleased to welcome Dr. Sheila Petty, Dean of Fine Arts and Professor of Media Studies, to her new role as Acting Director of the Institut français. Dr. Petty will fill the role until July 1, 2013. During the 2012-13 academic year a national search will be carried out for a full-term director of the Institut.

“The University is delighted that Dr. Petty will undertake this role for the 2012-13 year,” said Thomas Chase, Provost and Vice-President (Academic). She is one of our most distinguished academic administrators, and will provide strong, imaginative, and collaborative leadership to the Institut while we recruit a new director.”

Holder of a doctorate from the Sorbonne as well as degrees from the Universities of Nantes and Saskatchewan, Dr Petty has published widely in both French and English. She has a lengthy record of success in obtaining external funding for her scholarly research, much of which is multidisciplinary and collaborative, and has supervised numerous graduate students including major award winners. The international reach of her scholarship is notable, and has recently been further distinguished by her appointment as Guest Professor at Xiamen University of Technology in China. 

“I’m excited to be part of such a dynamic team at the Institut français,” said Petty. “I’m very much looking forward to working with the Fransaskois community to promote French language and culture within the University of Regina as well as the broader provincial, national and international communities.”

Dr. Petty has served for twenty years in various academic administrative roles at the University of Regina. She has been Dean of Fine Arts since 2004, and will continue in that role concurrent with her leadership of the Institut. 

Dr. Peter Dorrington concluded his extended term as acting director of the Institut in June, and has returned to professorial duties in the University’s Department of French. The University is grateful to Dr. Dorrington for his work in the role of acting director.

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Source:

Véronique Gauthier
Communications Officer
Institut français — University of Regina
Tel.: 306.337.3226
veronique.gauthier@uregina.ca

The EXPLORE Program in Gaspé: Still a Hit with Youth!

Gaspé, QC, July 27, 2012 – Forty-two students from all across Canada began their summer immersed in a Francophone environment in the captivating surroundings of Gaspé. For the fourth consecutive year, the Institut français at the University of Regina is offering the EXPLORE program in Gaspé – a unique French-language experience and adventure of discovery! 

The Institut français’ EXPLORE program combines outdoor activities and spoken communication. For five weeks, participants aged 16 and 17 are exposed to French through more than 190 hours of courses and outdoor activities: camping, sea kayaking, cycling trips and canyoning. 

There is something for every taste in the EXPLORE program. While some participants love the outdoor activities, others are simply delighted to learn French in such peaceful surroundings. Ariel Becherer from British Columbia says she is charmed by Gaspé: 

“I’ve really fallen in love with the city! The countryside is so beautiful. People here have a nice lifestyle and are very polite. It’s great to be able to speak French with them!”  

Sam Fresia, originally from Nova Scotia, says he’s been won over by his introduction to canyoning:  

“It’s a very physical activity, but it’s really fun! It’s a combination of hiking, rock climbing and mountaineering. You even have to cross rapids on foot. I’ve never experienced anything like this before.” 

The Institut français thanks the City of Gaspé and the Cégep de la Gaspésie et des Îles which have hosted the EXPLORE program since its inception in 2009. The 2012 edition of the program ends August 2. Explore is an immersion program for youth sponsored by the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC). Its goal is to promote English and French as second languages at the national level and to provide young people with a context in which they can practice their language skills in a social, total immersion environment. 

To learn more about the Institut français’ Explore Program in Gaspé, visit www.institutfrancais.uregina.ca 

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Source:

For more information:

Véronique Gauthier
Communications Officer
Institut français — University of Regina
Tel.: 306.337.3226
veronique.gauthier@uregina.ca

Institut français names new Marketing and Recruitment officer: Léa Beaulieu Prpick

Regina, July 19, 2012 –The Institut français at the University of Regina is pleased to announce the appointment of Léa Beaulieu Prpick as marketing and recruitment officer. Léa assumed her new duties at the beginning of May and the Institut is proud to have as part of its team this Fransaskois woman dedicated to her community’s development: “I believe that promoting French language and culture is important in order to make ourselves known to the community at large. Recognition is essential for the survival of the Fransaskois community – the community that has contributed so much to my own personal and professional development!” 

A native of Regina, Léa attended École Monseigneur de Laval and received a bachelor’s degree in administration from the University of Regina, where she also worked as an events planner before assuming her duties with the Institut. This recent graduate has also been a marketing consultant with Symco & Co., a member of the Faculty of Administration’s student council and a volunteer for many events in the Fransaskois community. Ms. Beaulieu says she is delighted to join the Institut français team and is anxious to contribute to the advancement of university education in French. 

Please join us in congratulating Léa Beaulieu Prpick and offering her a warm welcome. 

For a complete list of members of the Institut’s administration, visit our website at http://www.institutfrancais.uregina.ca 

The Institut français meets the postsecondary educational needs of Saskatchewan’s Francophone and bilingual students. It is engaged in the cultural and linguistic development of the Fransaskois community. 

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For more information :

Véronique Gauthier
Communications Officer
Institut français — University of Regina
Tel.: 306.337.3226
veronique.gauthier@uregina.ca

Immersion Weeks at the Institut français: Experiencing Francophone culture on the University of Regina campus!

Regina, July 10, 2012 – The summer immersion program at the Institut français is now on! This year, 39 participants will be exposed to Francophone culture and language from July 9 to 13 as they take part in a redesigned program of enriching activities intended to improve their comprehension and communications skills. 

Each year, the immersion program is offered on the University of Regina campus with the aim of providing participants with a memorable French-language experience.  

This year, the Institut français is offering a program of varied activities designed to expand participants’ vocabulary and improve their comprehension and oral expression skills. They will discover French through writing, reading and speaking workshops, besides enjoying outings, a beginner yoga course, a wine and cheese tasting and a sushi-making workshop. 

Luigi Benedicenti, associate vice-president (academic) at the University of Regina, is taking part in the immersion program for the first time and says he is particularly enthusiastic about discovering a new culture. “Learning a new way of expressing yourself means expanding your mind! I’d like to open myself up to the Francophone community by participating more in the French-language activities that take place on campus.”  

While some people are taking part for the first time, others come back year after year. That’s the case with Nancy Hassen who sees learning a new language as a great asset. “I’d like to improve my French so I can communicate better with my grandchildren, who are Francophone. That’s priceless!” she says. 

The 2012 summer immersion program certainly promises to be a week that offers participants both intensive French learning and fun! 

To learn more about the summer immersion program or any other programs offered by the Institut français, visit our website: www.institutfrancais.uregina.ca 

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Source: 

Véronique Gauthier
Communications Officer
Institut français — University of Regina
Tel.: 306.337.3226
veronique.gauthier@uregina.ca

2012 CRFM Research Grant Competition: CRFM awards more than $28,000 in grants to winners

Regina, May 22, 2012 - The Institut français and the Centre canadien de recherche sur les francophonies en milieu minoritaire (CRFM) are proud to announce the results of the 2012 Research Grant Competition, which this year is awarding more than $28,000 in grants to researchers across Canada. The evaluating committee selected six projects from among the fifteen applications received. The amounts granted to the selected academic researchers range from $3,800 to $5,000. 

This year, the CRFM encouraged projects focusing on: 

• Issues surrounding inclusion and cultural diversity 
• Community development alternatives 
• Issues relating to young adults in the Canadian Francophonie 

Of the six projects selected, two have specific connections with Saskatchewan. Suzanne Harrison, Ph.D., of the Université de Moncton, received a grant for her project entitled “The contribution of Saskatchewan school community centres to Francophones’ linguistic life and to the increased well-being of seniors (final step in a national survey)” and Toni Liechty, Ph.D., of the University of Regina who received funding for her study “My culture – where is it on campus? Cultural identity, integration, and well-being of Fransaskois and Métis youth in university environments.”

Projects funded (2012):

• Chedly Belkhodja, Ph.D., Université de Moncton: Moving to Canada and choosing a new host community: French immigrant narratives from Manitoba and New Brunswick, Amount of grant: $ 4 959
• Davy Bigot, Ph.D., Concordia University: The French of young adults from Casselman, Ontario: phonological aspects, Amount of grant: $4 968
• Suzanne Harrison, Ph.D., of the Université de Moncton: The contribution of Saskatchewan school community centres to Francophones’ linguistic life and to the increased well-being of seniors (final step in a national survey), Amount of grant: $ 3 827
• René Blais, Ph.D., Université de Moncton: Life stories and life environments: Recovering identity by guided tours of the Francophone minority environment (Alberta and New Brunswick), Amount of grant: $ 5 000
• Toni Liechty, Ph.D., University of Regina: My culture – where is it on campus? Cultural identity, integration, and well-being of Fransaskois and Métis youth in university environments, Amount of grant: $ 4 960,40
• Anifa Luyinga Kalay, Ph.D, University of Ottawa: Cardiovascular disease and lifestyle among Black Francophone immigrant women in Ottawa, Amount of grant:  $ 4 949,57

The CRFM would like to congratulate the selected researchers and to thank all applicants, as well as the evaluating committee made up of Jocelyne Mathieu, Ph.D., (Université Laval), Terry Boyer (Saskatchewan Métis community representative), Bruno Dupeyron, Ph.D., (University of Regina) and André Moquin (member and vice-president of the Assemblée communautaire fransaskoise). 

Using a multidisciplinary and inter-institutional approach, the CRFM is developing a research program with a special focus on experience of other Canadian and international francophone communities seeking to survive and flourish in minority settings.

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Source: 

Véronique Gauthier
Communications Officer
Institut français — University of Regina
Tel.: 306.337.3226
veronique.gauthier@uregina.ca

13 CFSL Students Hosted by Saskatchewan Francophone Organizations

Regina, Monday, March 26, 2012 – From March 12 through 16, thirteen students from the Certificate in French as a Second Language program (CFSL) at the University of Regina put their knowledge to use in various Francophone organizations throughout the province as part of an internship project. 

The CFSL, offered by the Department of French in partnership with the Institut français, is an intensive one-year program that allows students to achieve a strong intermediate level of French, both spoken and written. The goal of these unpaid internships is to enable participants to establish communication in French in a work environment and to develop relationships with the Fransaskois community.  

Michelle Fournier was very pleased by her intern’s efforts to speak French and says she was excited to have her at Radio-Canada. “She was interested in Radio-Canada’s history and culture and tried very hard to speak only French. She learned a lot of new vocabulary in a week and discovered expressions essential to the world of media.” 

Tim Friesen and Karen Ann Milne fell under the charm of Bellevue and were delighted with their experience there. “We worked at St. Isidore de Bellevue School, the community centre and the seniors’ home – it was a very rewarding experience. We were given an incredible welcome by the community. We have good memories of our internship and especially of the warmth of Bellevue’s people.” 

In total, nine provincial organizations opened their doors to students this year. The Department of French and the Institut français would like to thank the Assemblée communautaire fransaskoise, Bouquinerie Gravel, the Association jeunesse fransaskoise, the Conseil culturel fransaskois, Radio-Canada, St. Isidore de Bellevue School, the Centre francophone BDS, the Bellevue Care Home, the Réseau de la santé en français, the Étoiles filantes education centre in Ponteix and the Gardamis daycare for their participation.  

The Institut français meets the postsecondary educational needs of Saskatchewan’s Francophone and bilingual students. It is engaged in the cultural and linguistic development of the Fransaskois community.

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Source: 

Véronique Gauthier
Communications Officer
Institut français — University of Regina
Tel.: 306.337.3226
veronique.gauthier@uregina.ca

University of Regina launches Edible Campus

Regina, March 19, 2012 - Regina's Edible Campus unveiled its plan for a new campus garden project today designed to promote and expand community engagement and sustainable development. 

The project includes two existing campus gardens—the First Nations University Shared Garden, and Le Potager—and adds a new garden plot: The Regina Public Interest Research Group (RPIRG) Green Patch, a 5400-square-foot garden south of the Dr John Archer Library. With the generous support of the President’s Advisory Committee on Sustainability, landscape architectural plans for the new Green Patch were unveiled at a launch event.

Regina's Edible Campus partners include Wascana Centre Authority, the University of Regina, the Institut Français, First Nations University of Canada, and the Regina Public Interest Research Group, but the project reaches beyond these groups.  

“The launch of this project is a significant commitment to sustainable development by the University of Regina,” said Edible Campus Chair Frédéric Dupré. “Not only does the project provide education about healthy, low-cost food, it also contributes to the aesthetic appeal of the campus. Most importantly, it supports community work against poverty in Regina.” 

Shawn Fraser, Executive Director of the Carmichael Outreach Centre, spoke about the community impact of the garden pilot project in 2011 when vegetables from Le Potager were donated to the Carmichael Outreach Centre, helping to feed Regina residents in need.

Dr. Annette Desmarais introduced the concept of food sovereignty: the right of peoples or countries to define their own agriculture, food, labour, fishing and land policies in ways that are ecologically, socially, economically and culturally appropriate to their circumstances. She contrasted it with food security and spoke about the role of community gardens in providing sufficient, good-quality food and contributing to a diverse, democratic, ecologically sustainable food system.

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Source: 

Véronique Gauthier
Communications Officer
Institut français — University of Regina
Tel.: 306.337.3226
veronique.gauthier@uregina.ca

A Solidarity Pact between Métis and Francophones: A Historic First in Canada

Saskatoon, January 16, 2012 - A historic event took place on Saturday, January 28, 2012, in Saskatoon: the Assemblée communautaire fransaskoise (ACF) and the Métis Nation – Saskatchewan (MNS), the elected bodies that speak for Saskatchewan’s francophone and Métis communities, confirmed their desire to forge a shared destiny by signing a solidarity pact unprecedented in Canada. The pact is a direct result of the dialogue between francophones and Métis which the Institut français initiated in 2005, in partnership with the ACF and various Métis partners, and which it continues to steer. 
 
To understand the historic implications of this undertaking, one must recall that, beginning in the 18th century, the first French-speaking community in the Canadian West was Métis and that following the Métis Resistance of 1885 there was practically no interaction between western francophone communities and the Métis nation. The divergent decisions made by the two communities during the Resistance and the positions and behaviours adopted afterward had created considerable tensions between francophones and Métis throughout western Canada. 

With the goal of fostering dialogue among various minorities, the Institut français in 2004-05 developed a holistic and multilingual methodology to enable groups in a conflicting relationship to learn to speak to each other. This roundtable methodology lays the groundwork for intercommunity dialogue by drawing on intercultural reflection at the intellectual, artistic and spiritual levels. The dialogue that is undertaken builds on candidness, respect, conviviality and time spent together. 

This methodology amply demonstrated its effectiveness during the academic, community and artistic conference entitled “Resistance and Convergence: Francophone and Métis Strategies of Identity in Western Canada,” held at the Institut français in 2005 (thanks to the financial support of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada – SSHRC). This unprecedented gathering gave rise to the concept of the Travelling Roundtable of the Métis and Francophones of Western Canada (Batoche, 2007, Willow Bunch, 2008, and North Battleford, 2009). Thanks to these initiatives led by the Institut français, with the full collaboration of its Métis and Fransaskois community partners, more than 700 Métis and francophones of western Canada have already been able to participate in building a dialogue between two minorities which were no longer speaking to each other.  

Institut français director Peter Dorrington, PhD, sees the successful implementation of an original methodology with respect to intercultural dialogue as an excellent example of the important academic work that the Institut français, since its inception, has been carrying out at the intersection of community, minority and language issues:  

"Without the intercultural dialogue undertaken with “Resistance and Convergence” and the roundtables, the January 28 solidarity pact would have been unthinkable". 

This unprecedented agreement shows the very real impact that engaged academics can have on the ground and confirms the value of the Institut français’ educative mission. Indeed, the roundtables and the solidarity pact, taken together, constitute one of the most important initiatives in aboriginal/non-aboriginal dialogue in Canada. 

The SSHRC, the Canadian Commission for UNESCO, the Canadian Foundation for Cross-Cultural Dialogue and the Commissioner of Official Languages, among others, have already recognized the uniqueness and importance – both at the academic and community levels – of these initiatives aimed at fostering intercultural dialogue. 

The January 28 solidarity pact calls, among other measures, for the ACF and MNS to establish a permanent intergovernmental roundtable. This forum will allow the two communities to continue learning from each other and providing mutual support to make their respective aspirations a reality (postsecondary education, language promotion, etc.). 

Peter Dorrington points out that the Institut français sees its dialogic methodology as a tool capable of fostering dialogue among all minorities: 

"It was for important moral considerations that we wished to begin a dialogue between the Métis and francophone communities, but the Institut français and the Fransaskois community wish to use this methodology to establish a relationship with First Nations and other minority communities. Minorities are often jealous of each other, but if they act in solidarity they become much stronger". 

Meanwhile, the Fransaskois-Métis dialogue will continue in the east-central region of Saskatchewan when the fourth edition of the Travelling Roundtable is held in Melfort in October 2012. This meeting will be a defining moment in the Year of the Fransaskois declared by the provincial government.

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Source: 

Véronique Gauthier
Communications Officer
Institut français — University of Regina
Tel.: 306.337.3226
veronique.gauthier@uregina.ca

Summer Immersion Program underway at the Institut français

Regina, July 13, 2011 – The Summer Immersion Program is now underway at the Institut français! This year, 43 participants from various English-speaking backgrounds, will explore French in entertaining ways and can look forward to an exciting line up of activities during their weeklong French immersion session.

These activities are designed to develop participants’ French comprehension as well as their oral communication skills. 

Barbara Pollock, Vice-President External Relations at the U of R, who has enrolled in the Immersion Program for over 20 years and is participating in this year’s program, explained, “it is a valuable and enriching experience for both my professional and personal life”.

New this year is an activity that will have participants practicing their French in a real-life francophone work setting. As part of the learning experience, the participants in the advanced level will be announcing the weather forecast - in French - on the radio at Radio Canada. Other social and cultural activities scheduled for this year’s Immersion Program include board games, French films, and an evening out to mix and mingle – in French!

Laura Bieber, a student admitted into the Certificate in French as a Second Language program starting in September, notes that the Immersion Program is helping her improve her French conversation skills. “I find that I am picking up new expressions and getting more comfortable expressing myself in French. It’s great!” she commented.

The program runs until July 15th and is sure to be a fun-filled week of francophone exposure. We wish all the participants a wonderful Summer Immersion experience!! 

For more information on the Summer Immersion Program or other programs offered by the Institut français, please visit our website (click on Programs).

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For more information contact:

Awelana Akeriwe
Communications Officer
Institut français – University of Regina
Tel.: 306.337.3226
awelana.akeriwe@uregina.ca

The Institut français launches initiative for sustainable development on U of R campus

Regina, June 6, 2011 - A flowerbed on the south side of the Language Institute Building on the University of Regina campus will be transformed into a potager (the French term for vegetable garden) where fifteen kinds of vegetables will be grown in support of the Regina Food Bank. The purpose of this initiative - developed by the Institut français in collaboration with Facilities Management and Wascana Centre Authority - is two-fold: the promotion of university-community engagement and the advancement of sustainable development. 

The potager is a direct result of an Institut français university-community forum held in 2009. The project is a concrete initiative designed in response to one of the recommendations of the forum and constitutes an opportunity to bring together students, staff and members of the outside community to experience urban agriculture in Regina. 

With sustainable development at the top of U of R’s agenda in its most recent strategic plan, the timing of this project is fitting. “The potager is indeed a unique project,” says the Director of the Institut français, Peter Dorrington. “We are not only introducing a concept which embellishes our environment, we are imparting knowledge and encouraging citizens to think differently about self-sustainability.” While the potager is a pilot project, if successful, it is expected to inspire others within the university to embark on similar projects. “This is a great demonstration of our students and faculty helping to shape our campus landscape and literally provides a new way to grow to serve our community", asserts Neil Paskewitz, Director of Planning, Design and Construction for Facilities Management at the U of R.

The first seeds were sown on Thursday, May 26, and you may follow the progress of the potager project on the Institut français web site at: www.institutfrancais.uregina.ca

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For more information contact:

Awelana Akeriwe
Communications Officer
Institut français – University of Regina
Tel.: 306.337.3226
awelana.akeriwe@uregina.ca

Certificate in French as a Second Language students successfully complete internships

Regina, May 3, 2011 - In 2006, Statistics Canada reported that out of the nearly 2.8 million Canadians (i.e. 15% of the Canadian population) using more than one language at work, 26 per cent of them used French in the workplace. These figures reflect the importance of French studies in Canada especially at the post-secondary level. This is the reason why programs such as the Certificate in French as a Second Language (CFSL) offered by the Department of French in partnership with the Institut français at the University of Regina, are important in shaping individuals with this unique skill set of bilingualism for the Canadian workforce. 

The CFSL is a one-year intensive program in which successful students acquire French written and oral competency. This year, over a period of one week, March 14-18, a total of 13 students enrolled in the program engaged in internships within French-Speaking workplaces across the province. The unpaid internships, serve as an opportunity for the future graduates to apply their French communication skills in a real life work setting while at the same time interacting with the Fransaskois community.  

Justine Cascanette describes her internship at La Troupe du jour as an unforgettable experience - “I had the opportunity to do some translation work and the tour of the theatre granted me by the Communications director, gave me the chance to learn a lot of French vocabulary specific to the world of theatre.”

For Alyssa Counsell, it was the time spent with her host family she enjoyed the most. Counsell says “I enjoyed having meals with the host family – I learned interesting things about French culture from an African, French (France) and Canadian perspective.” She adds that the time spent in a completely French environment helped her improve her French comprehension skills. 

The Department of French and the Institut français would like to thank the partner organizations that hosted CFSL interns, including: Assemblée communautaire Fransaskoise (ACF), Gard’Amis and Pre-maternelle at the École Monseigneur de Laval (Regina), Réseau santé Fransaskois en français (Saskatoon), Radio-Canada (Regina), Fédération des francophones (Saskatoon), La Troupe du jour (Saskatoon), Association jeunesse francophone (AJF), Pavillon Gustave Dubois (Saskatoon), Association canadienne-française de Gravelbourg, École Boréale, Les Auvergnois (Ponteix), École St-Isidore and Foyer de Bellevue.

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For more information contact:

Awelana Akeriwe
Communications Officer
Institut français – University of Regina
Tel.: 306.337.3226
awelana.akeriwe@uregina.ca

Institut français Commends French Students at End of Semester “5 à 7”

Regina, April 21, 2011 - The Institut français recently held its final “5 à 7” (A French term commonly used to describe an event similar to that of an after-hours party) of the academic year. And this was no ordinary event seeing as traditionally, it is the time of the year when the Institut français hands out scholarships to deserving students. In an effort to encourage and promote French studies, the Institut français in association with its generous donors, presented students enrolled in French study programs at the University of Regina with scholarships.

This year’s award recipients are:

• Justine Cascanette: The Canadian Parents for French Saskatchewan Scholarship
• Camille Gaudet  & Evan Pelchat: Baccalauréat en éducation Entrance Scholarship
• Justine Cascanette: Gladys Arnold Bursary
• James Bellè: Laura & Paul Van Loon Bursary
• Camille Gaudet: Beaubien Entrance Scholarship
• Carla Ardell: Bernard & Rita Wilhelm Scholarship
• Carla Ardell & Stéphanie Monpetit: The Baccalauréat en études francophones scholarship 

Students were awarded on the basis of academic excellence as well as their impact and contribution to the community. Most of the donors were on hand to present the students with their awards. Justine Cascanette, one of the recipients of two awards at the event commented: “This recognition really means a lot to me. I worked so hard and I feel motivated and encouraged by this to further my cultural and linguistic competencies in French. I am grateful that the donors of these awards contributed to my personal objective to learn French and to perfect my French skills”. The Institut français would like to thank all its current donors for their generosity, as they make it possible for students to pursue francophone cultural and literary studies. 

Aside from commending the students’ achievements, the evening included a lively performance by the Institut français’ choir.  Following the performance, the 2010/2011 graduating class of the one-year Certificate in French as a second language program entertained the audience to a video they had prepared in French. In the video, they showcased their French language skills and unique experiences during the academic year.

The latter part of the evening was spent mingling and simply enjoying the ambiance. 

To learn more about the diverse and exciting programs offered throughout the year by the Institut français, we encourage you to visit: http://www.institutfrancais.uregina.ca

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For more information contact:

Awelana Akeriwe
Communications Officer
Institut français – University of Regina
Tel.: 306.337.3226
awelana.akeriwe@uregina.ca

2nd Edition of Explore program in Gaspé: Learning French in the great outdoors

Gaspé, QC, July 6, 2010 – The second edition of the Explore program in Gaspé – offered by the Institut français of the University of Regina, in cooperation with the Cégep de la Gaspésie et des Îles – began on June 28 and according to one participant, everyone is already taking advantage of the region’s natural beauty. 

Alexis Nadeau, a 16-year-old student from Barrie, Ont., chose the Gaspé program to escape the urban environment and learn French in the outdoors. “Every day is packed with activities like soccer, frisbee, biking, kayaking and soon we’ll be going camping and hiking,” she says. “It’s great!” 

Miss Nadeau also underlined the importance of being bilingual: “Languages are very important. Canada is a bilingual country, so we should all make the effort to speak both official languages. I know that it will open doors for jobs and travel possibilities for me in the future.” 

This five-week French immersion program, from June 28 to July 29, is sponsored by the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC) and brings together 41 English-speaking students ages 16 and 17 from all corners of Canada.

“We are thrilled to be in Gaspé, given that our program offers a special outdoor component – it’s a fantastic part of the country in the summertime!” says Lorraine Laliberté, head of continuing education at the Institut français. “We have a good team of instructors and an enthusiastic group of students. We are very well accomodated here. I would like to thank the Cégep for its cooperation, as well as the city of Gaspé for sponsoring our end-of-program party in late July.”

For more information about the Institut français’ Explore program in Gaspé, please visit www.institutfrancais.uregina.ca, under “Programs.” 

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Media contact:  

Allan Pulga 
Communications Officer 
Institut français, University of Regina 
allan.pulga@uregina.ca 
306.337.3226

First “Plaines de Gospel” concert will bring together 50 singers from across Saskatchewan

Plaines de Gospel Concert 

Under the direction of Annette Campagne 
with Mario Pelchat and Christie-Anne Blondeau 
Gravelbourg Cathedral in Gravelbourg, SK 
Sunday, June 20, 2010 at 2:30 p.m. 

Tickets will be available at the door: $10 for adults, $7 for students. Free admission for children aged 12 or younger. 

Regina, May 25, 2010 – The Conseil culturel fransaskois (CCF) and the Institut français of the University of Regina are proud to present the first concert of the “Plaines de Gospel” choir, which will be held at the Gravelbourg Cathedral on June 20, 2010 at 2:30 p.m. This concert is an addition to the Gravelbourg Summer Solstice festival dtaking place in Gravelbourg from June 18 to 20 (http://www.summersolsticefestivaldete.com/). 

The concert will feature about 50 choir members from Bellegarde, Bellevue, Gravelbourg, Prince Albert, Regina, Saskatoon and La Trinité. Two guest artists, Christie-Anne Blondeau from Domrémy, SK and Mario Pelchat from Quebec, will participate in the concert. Thanks to support from Radio-Canada, Mr. Pelchat is returning to Gravelbourg for the first time since his 2008 visit, which was for an episode of the TV show “La petite seduction.” Radio-Canada will also be on site to record the event.

“This concert is very important for the Fransaskois, because it demonstrates a willingness to get together and celebrate our culture, our joy and our existence,” explains Annette Campagne, musical director of Plaines de Gospel.

Ms. Campagne, a well-known Fransaskois singer, launched the Plaines de Gospelproject last October, with the support of the CCF and the Institut français, to bring together all those in Saskatchewan who enjoy singing in French.

“I wanted to give all of my choir singers a chance to experience a type of music that is born out of joy, that is about faith, and that requires an uncompromised level of participation,” adds Campagne. “We can’t be indifferent to gospel music, whether as a singer or as an audience member. The essence of gospel music is that it is alive!”

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Media contacts :

Andrée Noonan
Artistic Development Liaison
Conseil culturel fransaskois
andree@culturel.sk.ca
(306) 565-8916

Allan Pulga 
Communications Officer 
Institut français, University of Regina 
allan.pulga@uregina.ca 
306.337.3226

CFSL interns gain valuable work experience in the Fransaskois community

Regina, March 24, 2010 – Last week, from March 15 to 19, the 11 students in the Certificate in French as a Second Language (CFSL) program at the University of Regina participated in internships, set in French-speaking workplaces, offered as part of their program of study.

The CFSL, offered by the Department of French in partnership with the Institut français, is an intensive one-year program that allows students to achieve a strong intermediate level in French, both oral and written. The objective of these unpaid internships is to enable students to practice their French communication skills in a work environment and to create ties with the Fransaskois community.

According to Cindy Legrand, director of the daycare at the Centre éducatif, Les étoiles filantes, in Ponteix, her intern, Carla Ardell, met this objective. “It went very well. Carla made the effort to speak only in French with the children. I find that she has an excellent grasp of French and could very well do another internship or an immersion experience in a French-speaking environment, and manage just fine.”

Ardell says she very much enjoyed her work experience in a small francophone town. “It was rewarding – I was really able to improve my French. The experience helped me to become more confident in speaking French with everyone.” She adds that she stayed at Legrand’s for the week and that the two of them got to know each other by chatting in French in the evenings.

“It was a wonderful exchange,” notes Legrand. “The internship is worthwhile for the children (at the daycare) but also for the visiting intern. I would be happy to take on another CFSL intern in the future.”

The Department of French and the Institut français would like to thank the partner organizations that hosted a CFSL intern last week, including: the École Boréale/Centre éducatif (Ponteix), the Francophone Affairs Branch (Regina), the French Education Branch (Regina), Gard’Amis (Regina), the Salon du livre de la Bouquinerie Gravel (Regina), the École canadienne-française de Saskatoon, the Fédération des francophones de Saskatoon, the Réseau santé en français de la Saskatchewan (Saskatoon) and La Troupe du Jour (Saskatoon).

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Media contact:   

Allan Pulga 
Communications Officer 
Institut français, University of Regina 
allan.pulga@uregina.ca 
306.337.3226

Conference on the Caron Case and the Status of French in Western Canada: A Great Success!

Regina, February 24, 2010 – The bilingual conference entitled “The Caron Case: The Status of French in Western Canada” was held February 19 and 20 at the University of Regina. This event, organized by the Association des juristes d’expression française de la Saskatchewan (AJEFS) and the Institut français of the University of Regina succeeded in raising awareness, among attendees from across the country, of the importance of the Caron case and its possible repercussions on the future of the French-speaking population of Western Canada.

Over 200 Francophone, Métis and Anglophone participants, representing university, community and government agencies, contributed to meeting the conference’s objectives: to further the research in the fields of law, history and sociology, to initiate a discussion on the contemporary issues related to this case, and to underline the nationwide interest in the case. Academic articles resulting from the conference lectures are to be published in the coming months.

“I am pleased that the event stimulated serious thought and intensive learning, all while maintaining a lively atmosphere, particularly with the banquet and special cultural performance celebrating the dynamic presence of the Métis and Francophone communities of Western Canada,” said Peter Dorrington, acting director of the Institut français and conference co-president.

“This event was a unique opportunity to recognize a fascinating and lesser known period in Canada’s history. The participants were able to benefit from a wealth of information and from the different perspectives that have been generated by this case,” added Peter Bergbusch, departing president of the AJEFS and conference co-president. 

The Association des juristes d’expression française de la Saskatchewan and the Institut français would like to thank the Department of Justice Canada and the Department of Canadian Heritage for their financial support, as well as the conference co-collaborators: the Assemblée communautaire fransaskoise (ACF), the Association canadienne-française de l’Alberta (ACFA) and the Fédération des associations de juristes d’expression française de common law (FAJEFCL).

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Media Contacts:

Cassandre Louis
Project Development Officer
AJEFS
ajefs2@sasktel.net
306.924.8543

Allan Pulga 
Communications Officer 
Institut français, University of Regina 
allan.pulga@uregina.ca 
306.337.3226

Conference on the Caron Case and the Status of French in Western Canada: Major National Event

Regina, February 10, 2010 – The Association des juristes d’expression française de la Saskatchewan (AJEFS) and the Institut français of the University of Regina remind you they are holding, on February 19 and 20, 2010, a bilingual conference entitled “The Caron Case: The Status of French in Western Canada.” This conference is presented in collaboration with the Assemblée communautaire fransaskoise (ACF), the Association canadienne-française de l’Alberta and the Fédération des associations de juristes d’expression française de common law. 

This national conference aims to open a debate on the questions raised by the R. v. Caron case in Alberta. Gilles Caron asked that the courts recognize the constitutional status of French in the legislative and judicial processes of Alberta. After a lengthy trial, the Alberta provincial court ruled in Mr. Caron’s favour in 2008. However, this past December, the Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench overturned the initial verdict and Mr. Caron is now bringing his case to the Provincial Court of Appeal. 

A major event bringing together nearly 200 participants from all of Canada’s provinces, this conference is both academic and community-oriented and will bring together experts in history, law and sociology, as well as representatives of the francophone communities of Canada. 

Interest in this conference, across the country, is high. Indeed several organizations have chosen to plan events at the Institut français so that they will coincide with the conference:

• Launch, by the Commissioner of Official Languages of Canada, Graham Fraser, of the report on the vitality of the rural francophone communities of Saskatchewan, on February 18
• Roundtable on 40 years of official languages, sponsored by the Saskatchewan Federal Council, as part of the Institut français’ Wine & Cheese, on February 18
• Administrative Council of the Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne, on February 18 and 19
• Salon des artisans, organized by the ACF, from February 18 to 20
• Inter-intra du réseau associatif et institutionnel fransaskois, February 18
• French Language Maintenance Forum, organized by the Canada School of Public Service, on February 18
• Launch of a book by Carol Jean Léonard, “Mémoire des noms de lieux d’origine et d’influence françaises en Saskatchewan,” hosted by the Société historique de la Saskatchewan, on February 20.

The conference’s Friday evening banquet will be followed by a special cultural performance celebrating the dynamic presence of the Métis and Francophone communities of Western Canada, from the 19th Century until today. Among the artists to perform: Annette Campagne, Serge Carrière, Gent Laird, Brad Moggie, Alexis Normand and La Raquette à claquettes. 

“We are delighted to see the interest that the conference has stirred across the country,” says Peter Dorrington, acting director of the Institut français. “It will be an excellent opportunity to open a national debate on a case that could transform the way Canadians perceive the existence of French in the West,” adds Peter Bergbusch, AJEFS president.

To register, please contact the AJEFS before February 12, 2010.

Click here to download the conference Registration Form.

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Media Contacts:

Cassandre Louis
Project Development Officer
AJEFS
ajefs2@sasktel.net
306.924.8543

Allan Pulga 
Communications Officer 
Institut français, University of Regina 
allan.pulga@uregina.ca 
306.337.3226

University of Regina prepares students for bilingual careers in the federal public service

Regina, February 1, 2010 - The University of Regina has been selected as one of 11 universities across the country to participate in a new pilot program headed by the federal government’s Canada School of Public Service (CSPS). This program allows university students to access premium online second-language training tools.

The CSPS created the program as part of the federal government's “Roadmap for Canada’s Linguistic Duality 2008-2013: Acting for the Future.” The program gives students considering a bilingual career in the federal public service the opportunity to meet bilingual requirements for many public service jobs prior to graduating.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Official Languages recently determined that the federal government must fill 5,000 bilingual positions, per year, for the foreseeable future, in order to meet the need for bilingual services across the country.

“We are proud to offer this important development opportunity to our students,” says U of R President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Vianne Timmons. “Like the UR Guarantee initiative, this online language training program is yet another example of how the University of Regina helps to prepare its students to enter the workforce immediately after graduation.”

The leadership of the program at the U of R will be provided by the Institut français, which, since its creation in 2003, has provided French-language training to numerous public servants. A selected cohort of 25 U of R students will undertake the 24-month, part-time program with online access to language training tools normally reserved for federal public servants. These tools include high-tech language evaluation simulations and assessments, as well as interactive tools designed to improve comprehension, pronunciation, grammar and writing skills. At the Institut français, students will benefit from in-person tutorial sessions, as well as a series of workshops related to bilingual careers in the federal public service.

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Contact:

Dale Johnson
External Relations
Phone: (306) 585-5439
Cell: (306) 536-4312
dale.johnson@uregina.ca

New Community Development Officer at the Institut français

Regina, January 26, 2010 – The Institut français is proud to announce the appointment of Jonathan Tremblay to the position of community development officer. He is replacing Joel Diamond, who is leaving the Institut français. 

A recent graduate of Université Laval, Jonathan has relevant experience in both community and university settings. He has served as an elected councillor for the Saint-Roch district of Quebec City and as vice-president of the Faculty of Arts Student Association at Université Laval. He has also worked in the newsroom of the Quebec City daily Le Soleil.

Jonathan moved to Regina last summer and worked, on a temporary contract, with Les Éditions de la nouvelle plume.

As community development officer, Jonathan will coordinate the Institut français’ social and cultural programming on the University of Regina campus; he will also direct a number of university-community initiatives that contribute to the development of the Fransaskois community. He will thus be working under the direction of Frédéric Dupré, the Institut français’ manager of community engagement.

The Institut français would also like to announce that Mr. Dupré is on leave until May 2010. It should be noted, however, that the Institut français Community Engagement sector will remain fully operational in his absence.

“The community development officer’s mandate is to create a vibrant French atmosphere on the University of Regina campus and to pursue meaningful activities that allow the university and the community to come together,” notes Peter Dorrington, acting director of the Institut français. “Jonathan will therefore be working closely with the student population and the Fransaskois community.

The Institut français staff encourages you to join us in welcoming Jonathan and in wishing Joel Diamond success in his future endeavours.

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Media contact:   

Allan Pulga 
Communications Officer 
Institut français, University of Regina 
allan.pulga@uregina.ca 
306.337.3226

Canadian Parliamentary Delegation to Palestine: Special Bilingual Lecture January 13

Regina, January 6, 2010 – The Institut français invites members of the public and of the university community to a special bilingual lecture presented by Richard Nadeau, Member of Parliament for Gatineau and co-president of the Canada-Palestine Parliamentary Association:  
 
“The Palestinian Situation: A Form of Apartheid” 
7:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 13, 2010 
Rotunda, Institut français, University of Regina (LI 216) 
 
“It will be very informative to hear the observations made by the members of the Canada-Palestine Parliamentary Association upon their return from the Middle East,” says Peter Dorrington, acting director of the Institut français. “It will also be interesting to approach the Palestinian question from the community and minority perspectives.” Despite the differences between the Palestinian situation and the situation of Canadian francophones in a minority setting, Dorrington adds, the two minority groups can learn a lot from each other.

At noon, earlier on Wednesday, January 13, Mr. Nadeau will also be presenting a lecture in the Institut français Rotunda (LI 216) entitled “La condition de vie des Palestiniens : une forme d’apartheid.” Please note that this lecture will be in French only. 

Free parking will be available in Lot 3M (please give your license plate number at the reception of the Rotunda to avoid tickets), or if you prefer, use a coin?operated parking meter in Lot 2 in front of the Institut. 

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Media contact:

Allan Pulga 
Communications Officer 
Institut français, University of Regina 
allan.pulga@uregina.ca 
306.337.3226

Conference on the Caron Case and the Status of French in Western Canada: February 19 and 20, 2010

Regina, December 9, 2009 – The Association des juristes d’expression française de la Saskatchewan (AJEFS) and the Institut français of the University of Regina are proud to announce that a bilingual conference entitled “The Caron Case: The Status of French in Western Canada” will be held at the Institut français on February 19 and 20, 2010. 

The joint organizers will unveil the tentative conference program at a press conference to be held:        
Monday, December 14, 2009
11:30 a.m. in the Institut français Rotunda (LI 216), University of Regina, Regina, SK

This national conference aims to address the many questions that have arisen in the R. v. Caron case in Alberta. Gilles Caron asked that the courts recognize the constitutional status of French in the legislative and judicial processes of Alberta. After a lengthy trial, the Alberta provincial court ruled in Mr. Caron’s favour in 2008. A decision by the Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench on the government’s subsequent appeal is pending.

This conference is both academic and community-oriented and will bring together experts in history, law and sociology, as well as representatives of the Francophone communities of Canada. Other noteworthy participants in attendance will include:

• the Commissioner of Official Languages of Canada, Graham Fraser, 
• representatives of the Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne du Canada and
• representatives of the Fédération des associations de juristes d’expression française de common law.

The conference’s Friday night banquet will be followed by a special concert event celebrating the dynamic presence of the Métis and Francophone communities of Western Canada, from the 19th Century until today. “If Mr. Caron ultimately wins his case, French will become an official language of the legislature and the courts in Alberta,” explains Peter Bergbusch, AJEFS president. “Since the constitutional arguments presented by Mr. Caron are equally relevant in Saskatchewan, all Saskatchewan residents should follow the evolution of this case with great interest.”

“For this conference, we identified two objectives: to further the research conducted on the status of French in Western Canada as it pertains to the Caron case and to raise awareness among the public about the issues related to this case,” adds Peter Dorrington, acting director of the Institut français. 

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Media Contacts:

Cassandre Louis
Project Development Officer
AJEFS
ajefs2@sasktel.net
306.924.8543

Allan Pulga 
Communications Officer 
Institut français, University of Regina 
allan.pulga@uregina.ca 
306.337.3226

End-of-Semester Wine & Cheese: Thursday, December 10

Regina, December 2, 2009 – The Institut français invites you to celebrate the end of the fall semester and the beginning of the holiday season with a Wine & Cheese in the Institut Rotunda (LI 216) on Thursday, Dec. 10 at 5:00 p.m. 

Join us for a glass of wine accompanied by cheese and light food. Non-alcoholic beverages will also be offered by the Institut français. Please note that beer and wine must be purchased. 

The evening will feature a musical performance by the Institut français Choir, under the direction of Annette Campagne. We will also be awarding prizes to three students – two elementary students and one high school student – who were winners of our Christmas card art contest. 

This year, the Institut français invited the young francophones of the community to participate in the creation of its Christmas cards. The contest was launched at the end of September to elementary and high school students in Regina’s francophone and French immersion schools, including: Monseigneur de Laval, Campbell, Thom, O’Neill, LeBoldus, St. Pius X, St. Mary, St. Andrew, St. Angela, Connaught, W.S. Hawrylak, Massey and Elsie Mironuck.

Free parking will be available in Lot 3M (please give your license plate number at the reception of the Rotunda to avoid tickets), or if you prefer, use a coin-operated parking meter in Lot 2 in front of the Institut.
Hope to see you there!

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Media contact:   

Allan Pulga
Communications Officer
Institut français, University of Regina
allan.pulga@uregina.ca
306.337.3226

First publication of French section in Saskatchewan student newspapers

Regina, November 17, 2009 – This week, a new French-language section makes its debut in the student newspapers of the University of Regina (The Carillon) and the University Saskatchewan (The Sheaf).

Born of an idea from the Institut français, this additional section aims to increase post-secondary students’ access to French. Articles in the section are written by Francophone students, sought out by the Institut français, from the two universities. The Institut also offers these students editorial and linguistic support in producing the articles. The section will appear in the two papers occasionally, each time a sufficient number of articles is prepared.

To aid in the comprehension of the content and to encourage English-speaking readers or those learning French to read it, each article is accompanied by a glossary of translated terms, as well as a synopsis in English.

According to Peter Mills, editor in chief of The Carillon, this first collaboration between the Institut français and the two student papers intends to encourage exposure to French outside of the classroom.

“The Français section allows students the opportunity to read French in nearly every hallway, learn about the great activities happening in Regina’s francophone community, and will promote the French language – one of our official languages – and cultural diversity,” he adds, in a message from the editor.

“We are ecstatic about the openness shown by the two student newspapers, as well as their willingness to support this project,” says Peter Dorrington, acting director of the Institut français. “We chose to contribute to these existing papers, instead of creating our own Francophone paper, to maximize the visibility of French among the province’s university student population.”

Free copies of The Carillon and The Sheaf are available at the respective campuses of the University of Regina and the University of Saskatchewan.

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Media contact:

Allan Pulga
Communications Officer
Institut français, University of Regina
allan.pulga@uregina.ca
306.337.3226

New Fransaskois Choral Experience: Introducing “Plaines de Gospel”

Regina, October 9, 2009 – The Fransaskois community from all corners of the province is invited to participate in a choral experience of gospel music. 

The Institut français and the Conseil culturel fransaskois are proud to introduce a new project entitled Plaines de Gospel: une nouvelle expérience chorale (Plaines of Gospel: A New Choral Experience), under the direction of well-known Fransaskois artist Annette Campagne. 

Under her direction, the Chorale de l’Institut français has grown significantly during its three years of existence. Now Ms. Campagne is looking even further. “It’s my gang. I saw how we were discovering ourselves through song. Singing allows us to look at ourselves differently, to go beyond what we are and escape from the beaten path,” she explains. “I would like to share this experience with the entire province.”

Plaines de Gospel invites all those in Saskatchewan, who enjoy singing in French, to join in this new and exciting cultural project.

Register through your local francophone choir or contact Annette Campagne via e-mail at acampagne@sasktel.net or by phone at (306) 525-6530.

The official launch of Plaines de Gospel will take place at a Press Conference:
Wednesday, October 14
10:00 a.m. in the Institut français Rotunda (LI 216)
With a musical performance by Annette Campagne

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Media contact:   

Allan Pulga
Communications Officer
Institut français, University of Regina
allan.pulga@uregina.ca
306.337.3226

Four new employees at the Institut français

Regina, October 1, 2009 – The Institut français is proud to announce the appointments of four employees to the following positions: 

• Nicole Denis – Receptionist, Rotunda 
• Tim LaBelle – Program Coordinator and Advisor 
• Dauminique Napier – Administrative Assistant 
• Valeska Porras – Administrative Assistant 

Nicole Denis is a native of Domrémy and attended the École St-Isidore de Bellevue until Grade 12 before moving to Regina in 2004. She has a B.A. in French from the University of Regina and is currently working on her Master’s. She is responsible for the reception at the Institut Rotunda as well as the loan of materials from the Institut’s collection of CDs, DVDs and comic books.

Tim LaBelle has worked at the Institut français since 2006 as a sessional lecturer. He completed a Bachelor and a Master’s of Philosophy in Rome before obtaining a diploma in French education at the University of Regina in 2008. As Program Coordinator and Advisor, he oversees the coordination of the Institut’s programs and advises all those interested in French programs at the U of R.

Dauminique Napier is originally from Quebec but has called Regina home for the past 15 years. With a diploma in journalism, she has worked in the fields of physical fitness, administration, communications and most recently, in film. As an administrative assistant at the Institut, she works directly with the Interim Director, Peter Dorrington.

Valeska Porras is trilingual (French, Spanish and English) and is a native of Regina. A product of the Campbell Collegiate French Immersion program, she aspires to become a teacher. She is responsible for the reception of students and visitors as well as the assistance of Institut français staff in the execution of a variety of tasks.

Please join us in congratulating these employees and extending them a warm welcome.

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Media contact:   

Allan Pulga
Communications Officer
Institut français, University of Regina
allan.pulga@uregina.ca
306.337.3226

North Battleford Roundtable furthers dialogue between Francophones and Métis

Regina, September 18, 2009 – Last weekend, from September 11 to 13, the third edition of the Travelling Roundtable of the Francophones and Métis of Western Canada took place in North Battleford. This event – organized by the Institut français and the Assemblée communautaire fransaskoise (ACF), in partnership with the regional Francophone and Métis communities – added to the progress made by previous Roundtables in order to establish better communication and understanding between two groups that have grown apart over the last century. 

“I’m very happy with the event,” said Gilbert Pelletier, who sat at the Roundtable on behalf of the Métis community and who also participated in last year’s event in Willow Bunch. “I felt that we were accomplishing something, that we are getting closer to our goal of getting the Francophones and the Métis to work together. Things have really progressed since last year’s Roundtable.”

In an atmosphere of shared cultures, complemented by moving and in-depth discussion, the Roundtable brought together about 150 participants. The event was both educational and entertaining, since it featured a variety of presentations, cultural workshops and two evenings of music, dance and Franco-Métis storytelling.

The North Battleford Roundtable was recognized by the Canadian Commission for UNESCO.

“The weekend was a great success,” added Ghislain Bellavance, a representative of North Battleford’s Francophone community, who also sat at the Roundtable. “There were some difficult moments, but there was also a sense of healing. I hope that, with the contact we’ve made, we will continue to communicate and truly work together. We plan to meet in the near future to see how we’ll proceed in that regard.”

Peter Dorrington, interim director of the Institut français and member of the Roundtable organizing committee, stressed the importance of this annual initiative. “It is marked by a veritable desire to cooperate. Momentum is building and we now have a critical mass of people from both communities, from across the province, with the same goal,” he said. “We are confident that this core group will work together to advance the dialogue from the regional to the provincial level.”

For more information, please visit: www.uregina.ca/northbattleford09

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Media contact:

Allan Pulga
Communications Officer
Institut français, University of Regina
allan.pulga@uregina.ca
306.337.3226

Student entrepreneurs club launches its first day planner in French!

Regina, Thursday, September 10, 2009 – The Club d’entrepreneurs étudiants (student entrepreneurs club) of the Institut français of the University of Regina is pleased to offer the first-ever French-language student day planner to university students and members of the province’s Francophone community. 

Each year, the Club works on creative and innovative projects that have won prizes and awards at the national level. This day planner, of which 1,500 copies have been printed, will be distributed free of charge to students at the University of Regina and the University of Saskatchewan. 

A number of copies will be sold to members of the community at $10 apiece. The day planners are available at the Rotunda of the Institut français as well as at the University of Saskatchewan.

“This day planner is meant to be a tool to encourage students to add French to their daily routines,” says Marc Drolet, president of the Club d’entrepreneurs étudiants. “It features interesting facts about the Francophonie and the French language, games and upcoming social and cultural activities taking place in French, in Regina and Saskatoon. It’s an event calendar and a planning tool, all at the same time.”

To learn more about the Club d’entrepreneurs étudiants, please visit: http://institutfrancais.uregina.ca/index.php/general/list/menu_id/147

The Club d’entrepreneurs étudiants of the Institut français of the University of Regina was created to allow students, regardless of their field of study, to undertake real entrepreneurial projects and develop their understanding of the business world.

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Media Contact:

Marc Drolet
President
Club d’entrepreneurs étudiants
Institut français, University of Regina
Phone: (306) 757-3868

New Explore program in Gaspé: a success!

Regina, August 5, 2009 – The first-ever Explore program organized by the Institut français in Gaspé, Quebec was “truly a success,” according to Lorraine Laliberté, head of continuing education at the Institut.

This French immersion program, sanctioned by the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC), brought together 38 students aged 16 and 17 from all over Canada to learn French in a francophone area of the country, from June 29 to July 31. The Institut français chose Gaspé because of its spectacular natural beauty and offers the program in partnership with the Cégep de la Gaspésie et des Îles.

“The students very much appreciated the experience, particularly in such a stimulating, outdoor atmosphere,” said Laliberté. “They not only learned French or improved their knowledge of the language, they were able to use it in fun and social situations.”

The program offered students two weekends of camping, kayaking classes, hiking, cycling, soccer, volleyball, as well as several tourism-related activities that allowed students to take part in celebrations for the City of Gaspé’s 475th Anniversary (1534-2009).

“The Institut français is proud to contribute in an original way, with the aid of its Explore program, to attracting young Anglophones from one end of the country to the other toward French and to thus increasing the number of Francophones (whose first language is English) in Canada,” said Peter Dorrington, associate director of the Institut français.

“We are extremely pleased with the results,” added Laliberté. “We’re already starting to plan for next year’s program!”

For more information about the Institut français’ Explore program in Gaspé, please visit www.institutfrancais.uregina.ca

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Media contact:   

Allan Pulga
Communications Officer
Institut français, University of Regina
allan.pulga@uregina.ca
306.337.3226

Summer Immersion weeks begin Monday at the Institut français

Regina, July 10, 2009 - On Monday (July 13), the Summer Immersion weeks will kick off at the Institut français. This year, 73 participants from various English speaking backgrounds will be studying in a francophone environment for one or two weeks from July 13 to 24. 

The Institut français offers participants a number of different activities in French that are designed to develop their comprehension as well as their oral communication skills.

Last year, the Institut unveiled a new language laboratory, which allows users to watch videos and listen to a number of audio files. Participants will again benefit from these services this year.

In addition to a host of thematic activities encouraging verbal interaction and real life conversation, participants will enjoy a variety of social and cultural activities, sports, games, movie nights, a supper night and many other events. Altogether, it certainly makes for an action packed schedule!

The public is warmly invited to join us for the Movie Nights, which will be held on the evenings of the 13th, 15th, 20th and 23rd. All screenings begin at 6:00 p.m. in the Institut français theatre (LI 215). The movies will be shown in French with English subtitles. Admission is free. A complete list of the four films is available online: http://institutfrancais.uregina.ca/index.php/general/list/menu_id/227

For more information about the Summer Immersion program or about any of the other programs offered by the Institut français, please visit www.institutfrancais.uregina.ca.

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Media contact:   

Allan Pulga
Communications Officer
Institut français, University of Regina
allan.pulga@uregina.ca
306.337.322

New Explore program in Gaspé off to an exciting start!

Regina, July 8, 2009 – It was a memorable first week for the nearly 40 participants and the staff of the new Explore program, organized by the Institut français, in Gaspé, Quebec.

On June 29, 12 students were stuck in Quebec City due to a thick fog that stopped all air traffic within the region for 10 days. After being spending two days in hotel rooms (with a food allowance) provided by Air Canada, the students finally took the train for 12 hours to arrive in Gaspé. They got there tired but remain enthusiastic nonetheless.

“Aside from the ups and downs of the trip, everything is going well. The sun has now come out and the program is up to speed. The students have been in class and even spent a weekend camping in the rain, but they’re enjoying the experience,” said Lorraine Laliberté, program director and head of Continuing Education at the Institut français.

This is the Institut’s first Explore program in Gaspé and it coincides with the city’s 475th Anniversary (1534-2009). The program is the product of a new partnership between the Institut and the Cégep de la Gaspésie et des Îles. “We are very well attended to here,” adds Laliberté.

Created by the federal government in 1971 in the aim of promoting the national bilingualism, Explore is an initiative headed by the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC).

The Explore Gaspé program is one of several five-week French immersion programs going on across Canada. From June 29 to July 31, it allows 38 native English-speaking students aged 16 and 17 to learn French in a Francophone area of the country. One Saskatchewan student, from Caronport, is currently participating in the Explore Gaspé program. Other Explore programs also allow native French-speaking students study English in an Anglophone area of Canada.

For more information about the Explore program in Gaspé, please visit www.institutfrancais.uregina.ca

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Media contact:   

Allan Pulga
Communications Officer
Institut français, University of Regina
allan.pulga@uregina.ca
306.337.3226

CRFM Awards $25,000 to Winners of Annual Research Grant Competition

Regina, June 23, 2009 – The Institut français and the Centre canadien de recherche sur les francophonies en milieu minoritaire (CRFM) are proud to announce the winners of their Annual Research Grant Competition (2009), which awarded over $25,000 to researchers from across the country.

This year, six grants, which vary in amount from $2,500 to $6,350, were given to individual researchers, as well as to research teams, chosen from 17 applications.

The goal of the competition is to sponsor original research projects that improve the understanding of the francophone experience in minority environments. The CRFM decided, this year, to prioritize projects focusing on the following questions:

• The concept of terroir in minority contexts
• Inclusion and cultural diversity
• Alternative community development strategies
• Issues facing young francophone Canadian adults in minority situations

Out of the six winning research projects, two have a particular connection to Saskatchewan. At the graduate level, Janique Dubois – a Saskatoon native – received a grant for her doctoral research project, entitled “La gouvernance minoritaire : le développement du projet politique fransaskois.” At the community-based research level, the Association communautaire fransakoise de la Trinité was the only winning applicant. The grant will allow the association to conduct the research necessary to publish: “Semences II, 1980-2010: l’histoire de la paroisse de Saint-Denis.”

The CRFM would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the winners but also to thank its independent judging committee, which includes Dr. Lace Marie Brogden (University of Regina), Dr. Nicole Gallant (Institut national de la recherche scientifique), Dr. Jean-Pierre Lemasson (Université du Québec à Montréal) and Denis Perreaux (Association canadienne-française de l’Alberta).

For a complete list of this year’s winners, please contact Sophie Bouffard, CRFM Coordinator, at 306.337.3273 or by e-mail at: crfm@regina.ca. 

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Media contact:   

Allan Pulga
Communications Officer
Institut français, University of Regina
allan.pulga@uregina.ca
306.337.3226

North Battleford to host Travelling Roundtable of the Francophones and Métis of Western Canada

Regina, June 18, 2009 - From September 11 to 13, two of the founding peoples of Saskatchewan will meet in North Battleford for the third edition of the Travelling Roundtable of the Francophones and Métis of Western Canada. Organized by the Institut français and its partners - the Assemblée communautaire fransaskoise, the Centre Culturel francophone de North Battleford and various members of the regional Métis community - this breakthrough community gathering of bilingual exchange, learning and celebration promises to re?establish a constructive dialogue between two groups that have grown apart over the last century.

Last year, the Travelling Roundtable in Willow Bunch brought together close to 400 Francophones and Métis from across southern Saskatchewan. This year’s event will unite participants from the northwest region of the province.

“The Roundtable is an opportunity to bring these two groups closer, in order to celebrate our history, speak with open hearts, and heal,” says Henri Bouvier, co?president of the organizing committee. “Hopefully we can move towards collaboration and sharing, supporting each other’s survival and progressing together into the future.”

Central to the event are two community roundtable discussions exploring the theme of Francophone and Métis pride. The dialogue will be enriched by artistic performances and cultural workshops throughout the weekend. Among the artists performing are John Arcand, Freddie and Clinton Pelletier, Alexis Normand, Roger Dallaire and Daniel Gervais.

Simultaneous interpretation will be provided to allow participants to express themselves in English or French. Participants will also be encouraged to express themselves any of the various Métis languages. Since space is limited, the public is warmly invited to register as soon as possible by calling the Institut français, toll free, at 1.866.214.8097.

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Media contact:   

Allan Pulga
Communications Officer
Institut français, University of Regina
allan.pulga@uregina.ca
306.337.3226

Languages Commissioner praises U of R ties with Francophone community

Regina, May 27, 2009 - Canada's Commissioner of Official Languages, Graham Fraser, applauded the University of Regina for its relationship with the province's Francophone community in his annual report released on May 26, 2009. 

The report, entitled "Two Official Languages: One Common Space," commemorates the 40th anniversary of the Official Languages Act. In a chapter about promoting the learning of Canada's two official languages, it lists a number of obstacles to bilingualism, including "too few links between students and official language communities." 

The report cites the University of Regina as one of the few post-secondary institutions working to overcome these challenges, stating that it maintains "close, regular ties with the Franco-Saskatchewanian community."

"It's certainly an honour to be recognized as an exceptional case," says University of Regina Vice-President of External Relations Barbara Pollock. "Given the global environment, we believe in the value and importance of a second language for students. We're proud of the University's history in training, teaching and support of the French language and culture."

Ties between the University and the Fransaskois community were strengthened with the creation of the Institut français in 2003. "The U of R always puts an emphasis on community outreach, so we believe it's important to have good relationships with the many communities of Saskatchewan - including the Fransaskois community," adds Pollock.

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Media Contact:

Dale Johnson,
External Relations, University of Regina
Dale.Johnson@uregina.ca
Phone: 306-585-5439
Mobile: 306-536-4312
Fax: 306-585-4997 

U of R’s Maîtrise en éducation française: New Start Date and Application Period

Regina, April 27, 2009 – The U of R will be launching its first, Regina-based cohort for the new Maîtrise en éducation this coming fall semester, rather than this summer, as originally planned.  If you are interested in the program, you now have until June 15, 2009 to apply and can do so by consulting the website of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research at http://www.uregina.ca/gradstudies/  
 
The Faculty of Education and its partner for this initiative, the Institut français, are confident that the Maîtrise en éducation française will attract a sufficient number of additional students, above and beyond the applications already received, to allow this innovative program focusing on curriculum development and instruction in French-language contexts to be launched in the fall. The program is a splendid opportunity for you to further your professional development, with your colleagues... in French!

The Faculty of Education and the Institut français will be organizing information sessions in Regina-area schools over the coming weeks.  Schools in this area will receive information packages that include the Maîtrise en éducation française brochure, descriptions for the courses to be offered by the U of R, as well as a list of online master's of education courses offered by the other members of the Consortium des établissements universitaires francophones de l’Ouest canadien. Also included will be an application form and a printed Power Point document presenting program highlights, requirements, admission criteria and application procedures. 

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For more information, please contact

Caroline Lévesque
Marketing and Recruitment Officer
Institut français | University of Regina
306.585.5180
caroline.levesque@uregina.ca 

Urban Agriculture Circle: Thursday, April 23

Academics and Citizens to Discuss Urban Agriculture Strategies for Saskatchewan 

Regina, April 14, 2009 – As more consumers are seeking safe, healthy and locally grown food, the idea of bringing agriculture into cities has grown in popularity. A brand new initiative at the Institut français aims to bring together academics and citizens to talk about issues and strategies related to the development of urban agriculture in Saskatchewan. 

The first University-Community Circle on Urban Agriculture will be held on Thursday, April 23 in the Institut français Rotunda, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Over the course of the day, the circle – consisting of six researchers/professors and six citizens with experience in the field – will come up with 10 Strategic Actions Necessary for the Sustainable Development of Urban Agriculture in Saskatchewan.

“Many cities in Canada and around the world have chosen to develop urban agriculture and enjoy the social, environmental and economic benefits of doing so,” explains Frédéric Dupré, the Institut français’ manager of community engagement. “In spite of these advantages, urban agriculture remains a foreign concept to most people.

“In Saskatchewan, urban agriculture is still in its infancy. The goal of this Circle is to propose strategies that will create a change in attitude and enable real urban agriculture in Saskatchewan. Eventually, these efforts will lead to better nutrition and educate city dwellers about where their food comes from and how it is produced.”

The media and the public are encouraged to participate in the event and to take note of the experts’ proposals for developing urban agriculture in the province. Interpretation services for both official languages will be available. A list of the twelve participants in the University-Community Circle can be found at the following link: http://institutfrancais.uregina.ca/index.php/general/list/menu_id/221

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Media contact:   

Allan Pulga
Communications Officer
Institut français, University of Regina
allan.pulga@uregina.ca
306.337.3226

'Terroir' Symposium: Feb. 20-22

Upcoming Symposium Puts New Spin on Rural Development 

Regina, February 12, 2009 – Think about where the food you eat and the products you buy came from. Were they locally produced? If not, how could you find local, healthy and sustainable alternatives – produced here in Saskatchewan – for your household? 

The Institut français, in partnership with the Assemblée communautaire fransaskoise (ACF), invites you to participate in the Terroir, Identity & Seduction Symposium, which will be held Feb. 20 to 22 at the Saskatoon Inn in Saskatoon.

“The first conference of its kind in Saskatchewan, the Terroir Symposium was created so that governments, researchers, entrepreneurs, farmers and consumers could meet and discuss the many advantages of taking rural development in a different direction,” explains Institut français Director Dominique Sarny.

Participants will be able to take part in a number of workshops hosted by experts from across Canada on topics such as natural gardening, food and culture, rural development in Saskatchewan, organic meats, agro-tourism, “economuseums” and so much more. Special guests from France (Alain Lesoin, regional director of Agriculture and Rural Development, Midi-Pyrénées) and Louisiana (Cajun musician Zachary Richard) will also be in attendance.

Other program highlights include:

• A Local Taste Show open all weekend to allow visitors to sample and discover all kinds of fantastic Saskatchewan products
• A Gala Banquet on Saturday night, featuring local products and entertainment by Regina’s very own La Raquette à claquettes
• Panel discussions on a variety of themes, including rural development, new patterns of consumption, identity, interdependence and Terroir seduction/marketing.

Registration fees: 

      $100 for individual participants

      $150 for institutional participants

      $50 for the Gala Banquet and show

      $20 for the show only

All are welcome! Simultaneous interpretation from French to English, and vice versa, will be available. For more information or to register, please visit www.terroirsk.ca or call the ACF toll-free at 1.800-991-1912.

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Media contact:   

Allan Pulga

Communications Officer

Institut français - University of Regina

allan.pulga@uregina.ca

306.337.3226

Conférence de l’Institut followed by Discussion Between Francophones and Métis

Regina, Jan. 16, 2009 – The Centre canadien de recherche sur les francophonies en milieu minoritaire (CRFM) of the Institut français presents its upcoming Conférence de l’Institut on Thursday, Jan. 29, at noon, in the Institut Rotunda (LI 216) on the topic of “French as an Official Language in Saskatchewan: The Caron Case and its Basis.” This conference is presented by Dr. Edmund Aunger, professor of political science at the Campus Saint-Jean of the University of Alberta. 

Following Dr. Aunger’s presentation, at 1:30 p.m., a panel of Francophone and Métis political and legal experts will discuss the Caron case and its implications for their respective communities, acknowledging that it is linked to a chapter in their shared history. Simultaneous interpretation will be offered in both official languages during both the conference and panel discussion. 

The favorable verdict received by Mr. Caron last July is based partly on an historic argument recognizing language rights during Canada’s acquisition of the Northwest Territory (formerly Rupert’s Land). These rights had been unanimously approved by an expansive constitutional convention of Francophones, Métis and Anglophones, who met at the Red River. This convention was later recognized by a Royal Proclamation in 1869.
The expert panelists include Rupert Baudais LL.M. (Mr. Caron’s defense attorney), Paul Chartrand LL.M. (director of the Aboriginal Governance Program at the University of Winnipeg), Michel Dubé (president of the Assemblée communautaire fransaskoise) and Diane Payment (specialist in Western Métis history).

The Conférences de l’Institut series and this special discussion are available by videoconference across the country. To participate, please contact Sophie Bouffard at (306) 337-3273.

Free parking will be available in Lot 3M (please give your license plate number at the reception of the Rotunda to avoid tickets), or if you prefer, use a coin? operated parking meter in Lot 2 in front of the Institut.

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Media contact:   

Allan Pulga
Communications Officer
Institut français - University of Regina
allan.pulga@uregina.ca
306.337.3226

Two New Appointments at the Institut français

Regina, January 13, 2009 – The Institut français is proud to announce the appointments of two employees to the following positions: 

• Sophie Bouffard – Coordinator, Centre canadien de recherche sur les francophonies en milieu minoritaire (CRFM) 
• Linsey Twigg – Reception and administrative assistant. 

Sophie Bouffard moved to Regina in 2002. Since then she has taught, among other courses, voice lessons and music history at the Department of Music of the University of Regina as well as at the Conservatory of Performing Arts. Originally from Quebec, she holds a Master’s in Vocal Performance from the Université Laval and is currently completing her Ph.D. in Musicology. Grant holder of the SSHRC and numerous other sponsors, she has presented papers on diverse aspects of Canadian music at international conferences. As a classical singer, she has performed with symphonic orchestras and at opera houses and festivals across North America and Europe. She replaces Frédéric Dupré as coordinator of the CRFM.

Linsey Twigg moved to Saskatchewan in 2007 after completing an undergraduate degree in Hispanic Studies at Trent University in Peterborough, Ontario. From 2007 to 2008, she completed the Certificate in French as a Second Language program at the Institut francais. Ms. Twigg replaces Mylène Guerrette at the reception desk of the Institut.

Please join us in congratulating these employees and extending them a warm welcome.

To view a list of the Institut français’ administrative team members, please visit the following page http://institutfrancais.uregina.ca/index.php/people/list/menu_id/112 

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Media contact:   

Allan Pulga
Communications Officer
Institut français - University of Regina
allan.pulga@uregina.ca
306.337.3226

New Maîtrise en éducation française Program at U of R

Regina, December 19, 2008 – The Institut français is proud to announce the creation of a brand new Maîtrise en éducation française (Master’s in French Education) at the University of Regina. Offered in partnership with the U of R’s Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research and the Faculty of Education, this program will be available to students in July 2009. 

The plan to introduce a Maîtrise en éducation française at the U of R began in 2006, when the Institut français participated in the development of the Consortium des établissements universitaires de l’Ouest canadien pour l’offre de programmes de maîtrise en éducation française (Consortium of Western Canadian universities offering master’s programs in French education). 

The purpose of the Consortium, which also includes the Collège universitaire de Saint Boniface, the Campus Saint-Jean at the University of Alberta and Simon Fraser University’s Office of Francophone and Francophile Affairs, is to promote master’s-level courses and programs in French education across the western provinces and facilitate student access to these programs. 

“The Institut français is committed to helping teachers in Fransaskois schools, immersion programs and core French programs across Saskatchewan further their professional development,” says Peter Dorrington, Associate Director of the Institut français and the Institut’s representative within the consortium. “This Maîtrise en education française will enable them to do that in their home province.”

Details about the new Maîtrise en éducation française program: 

• Master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, delivered in French and focusing on issues specific to French-language education in minority situations
• 30-credit master’s degree composed of a project and eight courses
• Because the Institut belongs to the Consortium, U of R students have the option of taking up to four classes in person or online from the other member institutions.
• The Maîtrise will be offered to geographically-based cohorts in three-year cycles, alternating between Regina and Saskatoon. The inaugural version of the Maîtrise will be offered to a Regina-area cohort between 2009 and 2011.
• Each cohort will begin the program by taking two courses at a three-week summer institute. The inaugural cohort’s summer institute will be offered July 2-23, 2009 at the University of Regina. 

Those interested in enrolling in the program must apply to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research by February 15, 2009. Further application information will be made available in early January. Potential students may also contact Peter Dorrington at peter.dorrington@uregina.ca for additional information on the program.

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Media contact:   

Allan Pulga
Communications Officer
Institut français - University of Regina
allan.pulga@uregina.ca
306. 337.3226

Le CEE de l’Institut remporte le prix du SAIC au gala des CEE de la Francophonie

Regina, le 27 octobre 2008 – L’Institut français est fier d’annoncer que son Club d’entrepreneurs étudiants (CEE) a gagné le prix du SAIC (Secrétariat aux affaires intergouvernementales canadiennes du Gouvernement du Québec) lors du gala du 16e colloque annuel de l'ACEE (Association des clubs d'entrepreneurs étudiants du Québec) à Rivière-du-Loup.

Ce prix d’un montant de 1000 $ récompense le meilleur club canadien hors Québec qui s’est distingué par ses réalisations au cours de l’année 2007-2008. Le CEE de l’Institut a présenté son projet de conception et vente de cartes de souhaits. Il était en compétition avec deux autres universités : l’Université de Moncton et la Faculté Saint-Jean de l’Université d’Alberta.

Le 16e colloque annuel de l'ACEE, qui a eu lieu du 24 au 26 octobre, regroupait plus de 500 personnes venant du Canada, de la France, de la Belgique, du Burkina Faso, de la Côte d'Ivoire, de la Tunisie, du Bénin et du Cameroun.

Fondé en janvier 2006, le CEE de l’Institut français est le premier CEE francophone de l’Ouest canadien. Le Club organise des projets et activités pour les étudiants francophones de l’Université de Regina. Le CEE de l’Institut a pour objectif de sensibiliser et d’initier  les étudiants à l’entrepreneuriat, de leur offrir une expérience du monde des affaires, de développer et d’étendre leurs réseaux.

**Nous vous rappelons que le CEE de l’Institut français présente un 5 à 7 spécial intitulé « Saveurs d’Afrique, » qui aura lieu le jeudi 6 novembre, dans la Rotonde de l’Institut (LI 216) dès 17h. Cet événement offrira une atmosphère authentiquement africaine avec de la nourriture et de la musique traditionnelles, ainsi qu’une vente aux enchères d’objets d’art africains. Le billet d’entrée est de 10$ et les fonds recueillis permettront aux membres du CEE de se rendre en Belgique pour le Colloque de l’Association des clubs entrepreneurs de la Francophonie, en mars 2009.

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Renseignements :

Allan Pulga
Agent de communication
Institut français - Université de Regina
allan.pulga@uregina.ca
306.337.3226

Flavours of Africa: A Special Event on Nov. 6 at 5 p.m.

Regina, October 20, 2008 – The Student Entrepreneurs Club (le Club d’entrepreneurs étudiants or CEE) of the Institut français invites the public, members of the on-campus community and the media to a special evening “5 à 7” entitled Flavours of Africa.

This event, to be held on Thursday, Nov. 6 in the Institut français Rotunda (LI 216) beginning at 5:00 p.m., will offer an authentic African atmosphere complete with traditional music and a silent auction of African artwork. Also, African food and South African wine will be served. Tickets are $10 and proceeds will help fundraise for a trip – the CEE hopes to attend the Conference of Student Entrepreneurs Clubs of the Francophonie in Belgium in March 2009.

Founded in January 2006, the CEE of the Institut français is the first Francophone student entrepreneurs club of Western Canada. The Club organizes projects and activities for Francophone students at the University of Regina. The purpose of the CEE is to introduce students to entrepreneurship, to offer an experience of the business world and to develop and extend their networks.

The CEE would also like to invite other University of Regina students to join the club. For more information on the Club d’entrepreneurs of the Institut français, please contact Judith Nkongolo by e-mail at junna30@hotmail.com.

Free parking will be available in Lot 3M (please give your license plate number at the reception of the Rotunda to avoid tickets), or if you prefer, use a coin-operated parking meter in Lot 2 in front of the Institut. 

Au plaisir de vous voir!

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Media contact:   

Allan Pulga
Communications Officer
Institut français - University of Regina
allan.pulga@uregina.ca
306.337.3226

U of R Celebrates its Partnership with the Fransaskois Community: Co-location of its Three Francophone Units

Regina, October 9, 2008 - The Institut français and the University of Regina are celebrating their partnership with the Fransaskois community with two special events on Thursday, Oct. 16. The most recent result of this community partnership is the co-location of the University’s three francophone units (the Institut français, the Department of French and the Bac en éducation française) on the second floor of the Language Institute (LI) Building.

The co-location project, proposed and championed by the Assemblée communautaire fransaskoise and the Institut français, facilitates co-operation among the three units, establishes a slate of coherent French-language programs available to students of all levels of French and creates a francophone campus environment that can better contribute to the development of the francophone community across the province.

All are invited to the U of R campus on Thursday, Oct. 16 to participate in the following events:

3:00 p.m.   Official Opening and Press Conference for the Department of French offices and the Institut français’ Centre de services aux étudiants
Location: The entrance to both spaces, Room 220, 2nd Floor, LI Bldg.

5:00 p.m.   Celebration of the Co-location of the Francophone Units of the U of R
Location: The Institut français Rotunda, Room 216, 2nd Floor, LI Bldg.

The Official Opening and Press Conference at 3:00 p.m. will feature a ribbon cutting, refreshments and speeches from representatives of the Faculty of Arts, the Department of French, the Fransaskois community and the Institut français. Refreshments will be served. Music will be provided by Annette Campagne and Dave Lawlor.

The new President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Vianne Timmons will be speaking at the Celebration in the Rotunda at 5:00 p.m., as part of her "Greater Together with the Community" (Plus forte avec la communauté à ses côtés) campaign for the University. The Celebration will feature refreshments, music and guided tours of the newly opened areas of the growing francophone campus at the U of R.

The Greater Together with the Community campaign, held in conjunction with Fall Convocation, invites the public to attend a number of events on campus from Oct. 14 to 21. These events highlight the University’s motto “As One Who Serves,” by connecting and supporting the community at large. For a list of the week’s events on the U of R campus, please visit:

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Media contact:

Allan Pulga
Communications Officer
Institut français - University of Regina
allan.pulga@uregina.ca
306.337.3226

Institut français unveils new website design and CANAL-F

Regina, September 30, 2008 – The Institut français is proud to launch the new design of its website (http://institutfrancais.uregina.ca) created by The Noblet Design Group. The new look captures a younger, more dynamic image already shown in the Institut’s comprehensive guidebook – also designed by Noblet – which won the prestigious “Best of Show” award at the Elevators provincial graphic design and advertising competition in May.

Fresh additions to the website include new photos, colours and graphic effects across the site, more user-friendly navigation, expansion of the homepage, as well as a link to the Institut’s Facebook group and a more obvious button to convert content from French to English.

The Institut français has also unveiled its new multimedia site, CANAL-FRANCOPHONIE (or CANAL-F): http://institutfrancais.uregina.ca/index.php/general/list/menu_id/189.

CANAL-F is a multimedia site offering access to original content related to the Francophone experience in minority settings. CANAL-F features video and/or audio, written documents, PowerPoint presentations and photos. Content is produced and directed by the Institut and its research centre, the Centre canadien de recherche sur les francophonies en milieu minoritaire (CRFM).

Visitors will soon be able to access live broadcasts of the Conférences de l’Institut, presented in the Institut français Rotunda by the CRFM. The next Conférence de l’Institut is scheduled for Oct. 21 at noon and 7 p.m.:

• Espaces francophones et la diversité : à l'ombre de la commission Bouchard - Taylor
• Joseph-Yvon Thériault Ph.D., Département de sociologie, Université du Québec à Montréal

CANAL-F is an academic and cultural portal offering a wide range of documents on important Francophone issues, on both the Canadian and international levels.

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Media contact:  

Allan Pulga
Communications Officer
Institut français - University of Regina
allan.pulga@uregina.ca
306.337.3226

Willow Bunch Roundtable Initiates a Constructive Dialogue Between Francophones and Métis

Regina, September 25, 2008 - This past weekend, from September 19 to 21, the second edition of the Travelling Roundtable of the Francophones and Métis of Western Canada took place in Willow Bunch. This event, organized by the Institut français, the Assemblée communautaire fransaskoise and the Willow Bunch Métis Local #17, succeeded in creating a constructive dialogue and a better understanding between these two founding peoples of Saskatchewan and Western Canada. 

In a setting of shared cultures, discussions at times difficult and emotional contributed to an overall positive exchange at the Roundtable, which brought together over 250 participants from across southern Saskatchewan. The weekend enabled representatives from both groups to begin a process of healing, as they attempt to learn from previous hurt feelings and conflicts and thus co-operate toward a process of healing.

"It was an opportunity to bring us closer, to get to know one another while speaking openly, frankly and respectfully and being proud of our own cultures, in order to be able to work together in the future and to align our respective cultures within the community," said Henri Bouvier, the elected ACF representative for Willow Bunch and roundtable panelist.

"The past had to be addressed before we could go on and I think we've accomplished that," said Randy Gaudry, former president of the Willow Bunch Métis Local #17 and roundtable panelist. "Putting the stereotypes behind us, we may see it in our generation but our children and our grandchildren are going to learn to work together."

During the event's two roundtable discussions, participants spoke on two central themes, one of pride in being Francophone or Métis and another on how to develop this pride in their respective cultures. The event was also educational and entertaining, featuring academic lectures as well as several cultural workshops and performances of music, dance and storytelling.

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Media contact:   

Allan Pulga
Communications Officer
Institut français - University of Regina
allan.pulga@uregina.ca
306.337.3226

5 à 7 de la rentrée à l’Institut : le 18 septembre

Regina, le 15 septembre 2008 - Pour célébrer la rentrée scolaire, l'Institut français invite le grand public, la communauté universitaire, et les médias à son premier Jeudi de l'Institut mensuel de l'année.

Le jeudi 18 septembre, dans la Rotonde de l'Institut (LI 216) dès 17h, venez voir les nouvelles additions à l'Institut cette année : le Centre de services aux étudiants, la salle d'interprétation simultanée et la collection de CD, DVD et bandes dessinées disponible pour tous. On lancera également le ‘Canal F' et le nouveau site Web de l'Institut.

L'Institut profitera de l'occasion pour annoncer sa programmation socioculturelle d'automne. Nous invitons toutes les personnes intéressées à s'inscrire aux ateliers en aquarelle, en écriture, en chorale et en danse swing.

Antoine Guibal, le nouvel assistant du Département de français, vous interprétera quelques pièces de jazz à la guitare. Fromages, gringotines et boissons non alcoolisées seront offerts par l'Institut français. Du vin et de la bière seront également vendus sur place. 

Stationnement gratuit disponible dans le lot 3M (pour éviter les contraventions, veuillez donner votre numéro de plaque d'immatriculation à la réception de la Rotonde.) Vous pouvez également vous garer devant l'Institut (lot 2) mais vous devez approvisionner le parcomètre!

Au plaisir de vous voir!

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Renseignements : 

Allan Pulga
Agent de communication
Institut français - Université de Regina
allan.pulga@uregina.ca 
306.337.3226

Les semaines d’Immersion d’été à l’Institut français commencent le 14 juillet

Regina, le 14 juillet 2008 - C'est aujourd'hui que débutent les semaines d'immersion d'été à l'Institut français. Cette année, 70 participants issus de milieux anglophones divers, profiteront d'une ambiance francophone d'une durée d'une ou deux semaines, soit du 14 au 25 juillet. 

L'Institut français propose aux participants un programme d'activités variées en français qui vise à développer la compréhension et l'expression. 

Une nouveauté au programme cette année est l'accès au laboratoire de langues permettant l'écoute de vidéos et de divers documents sonores. En plus des activités favorisant l'interaction orale et des expériences authentiques de communication selon un thème spécifique, les participants profiteront également d'activités socioculturelles, en l'occurrence une visite guidée (en français!) des expositions en cours à la galerie MacKenzie, d'activités sportives, de jeux de société, de soirées cinéma, d'une soirée repas et animation culturelle et bien d'autres, pour en faire un horaire bien chargé!

Le public est cordialement invité à se joindre à nous pour participer aux soirées cinéma. Pour plus d'information, veuillez visiter notre site web: www.nstitutfrancais.uregina.ca/

L'Institut français répond aux besoins éducatifs postsecondaires des étudiants francophones et bilingues de la Saskatchewan. Il s'engage dans le développement linguistique et culturel de la communauté fransaskoise.

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Renseignements : 

Allan Pulga
Agent de communication
Institut français - Université de Regina
allan.pulga@uregina.ca 
306.337.3226

La Table ronde itinérante de Talle de Saules va instaurer un dialogue entre Francophones et Métis

Regina, le 18 juin 2008 - Deux des peuples fondateurs de la Saskatchewan et de l'Ouest canadien sont invités à se réunir, en septembre, pour une rencontre communautaire capitale où se conjugueront partage, apprentissage et célébration. L'Institut français et ses partenaires - l'Assemblée communautaire fransaskoise et le Willow Bunch Métis Local #17 - sont fiers d'annoncer la toute dernière édition de la Table ronde itinérante des Francophones et des Métis de l'Ouest canadien, qui aura lieu à Talle de Saules (Willow Bunch) du 19 au 21 septembre.

À la suite de la Table ronde inaugurale de Batoche, qui a rassemblé, l'an passé, 180 Métis et Francophones des régions centre et nord de la Saskatchewan, l'événement de cette année réunira les participants communautaires du sud de la province. La Table ronde itinérante est importante car elle favorise le début d'une relation constructive entre les Francophones et les Métis, deux peuples qui se sont éloignés l'un de l'autre depuis la Résistance de 1885.

« Nous sommes heureux d'avoir l'occasion de travailler avec les communautés locales pour renforcer la relation qui est en train de se développer entre Francophones et Métis, » déclare Peter Dorrington, président du Comité organisateur de la Table ronde et directeur adjoint de l'Institut français. « Personne ne s'attend à combler le fossé créé par 120 ans d'histoire en une fin de semaine, mais nous sommes convaincus que la table ronde permettra aux Métis et aux Francophones du sud de la province d'entamer un dialogue constructif et peut-être même d'amorcer un processus de guérison. »

La Table ronde itinérante de Talle de Saules proposera deux discussions communautaires en table ronde, des spectacles artistiques et des ateliers culturels intégrés, ainsi que des présentations communautaires et scientifiques. Un service d'interprétation sera disponible afin de permettre aux participants de s'exprimer en français ou en anglais. Les participants seront aussi encouragés à s'exprimer dans l'une ou l'autre des diverses langues métisses. Le grand public est chaleureusement invité à s'inscrire à la Table ronde de Talle de Saules, auprès de l'Institut français, en composant le numéro sans frais 1.866.214.8097 ou bien en ligne (http://willowbunch2008.uregina.ca/).

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Renseignements : 

Allan Pulga
Agent de communication
Institut français - Université de Regina
allan.pulga@uregina.ca 
306.337.3226

L'équipe ‘Franco-Fun' remporte la médaille d'argent aux "Olympiques du bureau" de l'U de R

Regina, le 12 juin 2008 - L'Institut français est heureux d'annoncer que son équipe, l'équipe « Franco-Fun », a gagné la deuxième place au pique-nique annuel « Gathering on the Green » réunissant tous les employés de l'Université de Regina. 

Les six coéquipiers de ‘Franco-Fun' - Mylène Guerrette, Caroline Lévesque, Emily Murtha, Ken Bos, Frédéric Dupré et Allan Pulga - ont représenté l'Institut avec fierté et enthousiasme en participant aux épreuves qui, cette année, consistaient en une course de relais et une épreuve créative. 

La course relais comprenait un parcours où un équipier en poussait un autre assis dans une chaise de bureau à roulettes, une résolution de problème mathématique, une réorganisation de dossier et finalement une course d'obstacles pour remplir d'eau un pot de café... une tasse à la fois. Pour l'épreuve créative, l'équipe a dû concevoir un costume en n'utilisant que des autocollants et de l'emballage à bulles suivi bien sûr du défilé de mode!

Bien que l'équipe Franco-Fun ait dû s'incliner devant « Six and the City », l'équipe victorieuse représentant le Bureau du recrutement d'étudiants de l'U de R, les deux équipes étaient contentes de battre les anciens champions de la Faculté de génie. 

« C'était une compétition assez serrée, mais on a fait de notre mieux, » a déclaré la capitaine de l'équipe Franco-Fun, Caroline Lévesque. « On n'est pas déçu du tout. Nous voulions bien représenter l'Institut et nous amuser, et on a réussi à faire les deux! »

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Renseignements : 

Allan Pulga
Agent de communication
Institut français - Université de Regina
allan.pulga@uregina.ca 
306.337.3226

Le CRFM contribue à la nouvelle Encyclopédie du patrimoine culturel de l’Amérique française

Regina, le 1 mai 2008 – Cette année, qui marque le 400e anniversaire de l’arrivée française en Amérique du Nord, le Centre canadien de recherche sur les francophonies en milieu minoritaire (CRFM) de l’Institut français est fier d’annoncer la mise en ligne de l’Encyclopédie du patrimoine culturel de l’Amérique française à l’adresse suivante: www.ameriquefrancaise.org.

Le CRFM assume la coordination d’articles pour la Saskatchewan, l’Alberta, la Colombie-Britannique le Yukon et les Territoires du Nord-Ouest pour cette nouvelle encyclopédie. Une trentaine d’articles est actuellement disponible en ligne, dont quatre pour la région couverte par le CRFM. Ces articles sont écrits par des auteurs provenant des milieux universitaires et communautaires. Plusieurs autres articles sont actuellement en préparation.

« Pour le CRFM, cette encyclopédie est une occasion extraordinaire de mettre en valeur le patrimoine fransaskois ainsi que la richesse et la diversité du patrimoine francophone de l’Ouest canadien, » déclare M. Frédéric Dupré, Coordonnateur du CRFM. « On est toujours à la recherche de nouveaux collaborateurs pour contribuer à assurer une présence vibrante de la francophonie de l’Ouest canadien dans cette nouvelle encyclopédie. »

L’Encyclopédie du patrimoine culturel de l’Amérique française est placée sous la direction de M. Laurier Turgeon, professeur d’histoire et d’ethnologie, directeur de l’Institut du patrimoine culturel de l’Université Laval. Le projet a pour but d’étudier les principaux éléments de ce patrimoine diversifié, sous toutes ses formes et dans toutes les régions du continent, à travers les 400 ans de présence française en Amérique du Nord.

La planification du projet a débuté en 2001 et sa réalisation a commencé en février 2005.

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Renseignements : 

Allan Pulga
Agent de communication
Institut français - Université de Regina
allan.pulga@uregina.ca 
306.337.3226

L’Université de Regina présente sa nouvelle rectrice, Mme Vianne Timmons

Mo Bundon, président du Conseil des gouverneurs de l’Université de Regina, a annoncé aujourd’hui, que Mme Vianne Timmons, Ph.D., sera la septième rectrice et vice-chancelière de l’Université de Regina (U de R). 

«Ses réalisations universitaires et ses états de service exemplaires dans le leadership au niveau de la haute administration font de Mme Timmons un choix idéal pour le poste de rectrice et vice-chancelière de l’Université de Regina,» a déclaré M. Bundon. « Toute sa vie professionnelle témoigne de son amour de l’enseignement et de la recherche, et de son engagement vis à vis des étudiants. Nous sommes très heureux qu’elle puisse maintenant faire profiter notre institution de ses succès.» Mme Timmons apporte à l’U de R une vaste expérience tant au niveau universitaire qu’au niveau administratif ainsi qu’un engagement communautaire soutenu. Elle est actuellement vice rectrice du développement universitaire à UPEI (University of Prince Edward Island). Professeur en éducation, elle a été directrice du Département d’éducation à St. Francis Xavier University et Doyenne de la Faculté d’éducation à UPEI.  [Veuillez consulter la fiche d’information jointe pour en savoir plus au sujet de Mme Timmons.]

«L’Université de Regina sert la grande communauté en jouant de nombreux rôles importants dans la ville et dans la province,» a déclaré Mme Timmons. «Je suis heureuse d’avoir la chance de poursuivre la construction d’un environnement d’apprentissage renommé, tant au niveau national qu’international, pour son expérience en enseignement, recherche et culture et pour l’accueil qu’elle offre aux étudiants.»

Mme Timmons dirigera l’Université alors que celle-ci continue à élargir son programme de recherche et à présenter de nouvelles initiatives afin de faire de l’U de R le premier choix d’un nombre croissant d’étudiants.

M. Bundon a également saisi l’occasion pour reconnaître le travail effectué par M. Tomkins, Ph. D., recteur actuel de l’U de R. «L’Université doit beaucoup à M. Tomkins. Ses qualités de leadership et son engagement personnel vis à vis de la U de R se feront sentir pendant de longues années,» a déclaré M. Bundon.

M. Tomkins demeurera recteur et vice-chancelier jusqu’au 30 juin 2008 puis Mme Timmons prendra la relève. Mme Timmons deviendra officiellement rectrice et vice-chancelière lors de la Collation des diplômes de l’automne, en octobre.

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Renseignements : 

Allan Pulga
Agent de communication
Institut français - Université de Regina
allan.pulga@uregina.ca 
306.337.3226

L’Institut français co-fondateur du Consortium pour 2e cycle en éducation

Regina, le 28 avril 2008 - Après des années d’attente, les enseignants français de la Saskatchewan devraient bientôt avoir un programme de maîtrise en éducation française dans la province. Le 25 avril dernier, l’Institut français, Université de Regina, a signé un protocole d’entente avec trois autres universités officialisant la création du Consortium des établissements universitaires de l’Ouest canadien pour l’offre en français du programme de 2e cycle en éducation.

Le Consortium, qui comprend l’Institut français, le Collège universitaire de Saint-Boniface au Manitoba, le Campus Saint-Jean de l’Université de l’Alberta et le Bureau des affaires francophones et francophiles de l’Université Simon Fraser, a pour but de rendre accessibles les cours et programmes de 2e cycle en éducation française offerts par les partenaires et d’en faire la promotion.

Étant membre du Consortium, l’Institut français collabore avec la Faculté d’éducation et la Faculté des études supérieures et de la recherche de l’Université de Regina pour mettre sur pied une maîtrise en éducation française à l’Université de Regina. Le programme proposé, qui attend son approbation finale dans les prochains mois, débutera probablement à l’été 2009.

« L’Institut français savait depuis longtemps que les enseignants dans les écoles fransaskoises, les programmes d’immersion et les programmes de français de base avaient besoin d’une maîtrise en éducation française pour les aider dans leur développement professionnel, » déclare M. Peter Dorrington, directeur adjoint de l’Institut français.

« En développant des cours en ligne, en facilitant les crédits transférables et la mobilité des professeurs et des étudiants, le Consortium réduit le défi de développer une maîtrise en éducation française à l’Université de Regina. »

Pour de plus amples renseignements sur le Consortium, veuillez consulter : www.medouest.ca

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Renseignements : 

Allan Pulga
Agent de communication
Institut français - Université de Regina
allan.pulga@uregina.ca 
306.337.3226

Nomination d'Allan Pulga

Regina, le 10 avril 2008 - C’est avec grand plaisir que l’Institut français, Université de Regina, annonce la nomination d’Allan Pulga comme Agent de communication.

Allan est originaire de Regina où il a étudié en immersion française à l’École Wilfrid Walker et à Campbell Collegiate. Il possède deux baccalauréats de l’Université de Regina, l’un en biologie et l’autre en journalisme. Ses expériences de travail incluent des postes divers en médias et  communications, y compris quelques stages bilingues à Québec, à Rimouski et même au Sénégal avec Journalistes pour les droits humains.

Allan adore voyager et découvrir d’autres cultures. Il est ravi de se joindre à l’équipe de l’Institut français et a hâte de faire plus ample connaissance avec la communauté universitaire dans le cadre de ses nouvelles fonctions.

Veuillez vous joindre à nous pour féliciter Allan et l’accueillir chaleureusement.

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Renseignements : 

Allan Pulga
Agent de communication
Institut français - Université de Regina
allan.pulga@uregina.ca 
306.337.3226