aa101701 UofRUpdate k28 · College Avenue and Cornwall Street SIPP University of Regina, Regina, SK...

If you’ve ever wondered about the kind ofresearch being done in the informatics field inRegina, a visit to the Informatics Forum onNovember 4 will help answer your questions. Thefull name for the event is the “Information andCommunications Technology Networking Forum.”Though the emphasis is on the old-fashioned face-to-face kind of networking, you’ll also learn howresearchers at the University of Regina are usingnetworks to harness the power of informationtechnology.

“The Forum is designed to inform people in thecommunity about the research work that is beingdone in information and communicationstechnology, or informatics,” says Gordon Owen,who manages the U of R’s University IndustryLiaison Office (UILO). “It’s also a showcase forcollaborations and partnerships between Universityresearchers and businesses working together tocreate new products and services. Of course,” Owenadds, “we hope that the networking opportunities atthe Forum will create more discussion aboutpossible collaborations.”

The Forum will run from 3 to 6 p.m. in theRotunda at 10 Research Drive. A reception willbegin at 5 p.m. “The formal program – including acouple of demonstrations – will be brief,” Owensays, “and the displays will make it easy to get aquick overview of our current research activities.”

Computer science professor Daryl Hepting says

the Forum is an excellent way for the community tolearn about the very interesting and applicable worktaking place in the department. It’s also a chance forstudents to be involved in presenting leading-edgeresearch.

“One of the posters Forum visitors will seeconcerns the thesis of a grad student I’msupervising,” says Hepting. “They’ll also see postersabout other projects that two of our exceptionalundergraduates have been involved in.” Informationabout faculty members’ research interests andpossible opportunities for collaboration withindustry partners will be available at the Forum.

Allan Cahoon, the University’s vice-president,research and international, views the Forum as animportant event for the University and thecommunity it serves. He says the U of R isexperiencing an exciting period of growth and isfocusing its research efforts in certain thematic areas,including informatics. The research emphasis oninformatics dovetails with Regina’s industry clusterstrategy, which includes information technology,film production and new media.

“While the basic informatics research may begrounded in mathematics and computer science, theapplications for this research can range from the lifeand physical science domains to the entertainmentindustry,” Cahoon states. “The U of R is committedto building on its expertise in data mining,information retrieval, databases, image processing

and multimedia computing. The informaticssector,” Cahoon continues, “offers a uniqueopportunity to develop trained professionals andartists capable of generating and supportingeconomic growth in Saskatchewan in areas such asnew media. The Forum is a good way for potentialpartners to find each other and exploreopportunities to work together and build on theirstrengths.”

The regional director for the National ResearchCouncil’s Industrial Research Assistance Programagrees. “Small and medium sized firms are animportant driver of the Saskatchewan and Canadianeconomies,” says Vivian Sullivan. “We want to helpaccelerate their growth by linking them with theexpertise and knowledge available in thecommunity,” she adds. “We have invited several ofour clients to participate in the Forum,” Sullivancontinues. “They will be showcasing their productsand services to the community, and will have theopportunity to review the latest research at theUniversity.”

The Forum is presented by the UILO,University of Regina; the National ResearchCouncil-Industrial Research Assistance Program;Regina Research Park; and the SaskatchewanOpportunities Corporation.

Further information is available athttp://www.uregina.ca/uilo and http://irap-pari.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/.

aa101701_UofRUpdate_k28wg9a-cgoct28— Whats On Cliff 301#301 CliffSAVED IN 4000

What better time to talk about the spiritworld than a few days before Halloween?

Today Darlene Juschka, of the Departmentof Women’s Studies, continues the CoffeeHouse Controversies series at Roca Jacks with adiscussion called “Cuban Santeria: Divination,Possession and the Saints.” The noon-hourseries provides opportunities for instructors inthe U of R’s Faculty of Arts to present thought-provoking findings from their research in aninformal setting. Faculty members speak forabout 20 minutes, and then invite questionsand discussion from the audience.

You may never have heard of Santeria butjust as the candy, costumes, ghosts andpumpkins of our contemporary Halloweenevolved from Celtic, Roman and thenChristian celebrations, Santeria – the Way ofthe Saints – developed by a similar process.

Juschka explains that Santeria is a syncreticsystem – that is it brings together or reconcilesAfrican indigenous religions, primarily those ofthe Yoruba people, with Catholicism, especiallySpanish folk Catholicism.

Santeria originated in Cuba, and ispracticed in various forms in Haiti, Brazil andthe Caribbean. It’s also found in immigrantcommunities in some American cities. It beganwith the thousands of Africans – mostlyYoruba, from what is now Nigeria – who werebrought to Cuba, Brazil and the Caribbean asslaves. While their bodies were sold intoservitude, the slaves brought their culture andreligious traditions with them. These traditionsincluded the possession trance forcommunicating with ancestors and deities, theuse of animal sacrifice and the practice of

sacred drumming and dance. These rituals andbeliefs survived by merging with elements ofCatholicism.

One part of the original tradition wasorichas - spirits or gods that possess theirbelievers. These orichas, each of which has itsown distinct personality, can be counted on toaid its followers by guiding them to a better life.Communication between the orichas and theirfollowers is through ritual, prayer, divinationand offerings.

“The plantation owners discouraged theirslaves from practicing their traditional religionsand pressured them to be baptized and convertto Catholicism,” Juschka says. “Because theoricha each had their own personality andcharacteristics, and were associated with certaincolours and forces of nature, the slavesassociated some of the Christian Saints withtheir various gods. The oricha Oggun, forexample, is very dark and strong. He is thepatron of blacksmiths and iron workers,”Juschka explains. “So, he is associated with St.Peter, the rock upon which the Church wasbuilt.”

Juschka adds that followers of Santeria livein strong, well-developed communities, in partbecause of Santeria's emphasis on initiationpractices, with several levels of initiation. Herinitiation experience included rituals thatspanned two days. Santeria is also changing, shesays, because it no longer has to hide behindCatholicism. Santeria is not hostile toChristianity, she adds, but does represent arejection of Western systems of oppression. It isalso represents a claiming of roots andauthenticity by reclaiming the life and stories

that occurred before colonization in the NewWorld, she says.

“I have no idea what kinds of questionsmight come up after my talk,” Juschka says. Mypurpose is to dispel the misconceptions we haveabout other cultures, and challenge the ideathat monotheism is the sole system of belief. I

hope my talk will open the way for people toconsider other views about culture andreligion.”

More information about the Coffee HouseControversies series is available at:http://www.uregina.ca/arts/coffeehousecontroversies.html

Lecture to open door to other cultural religious views

Update

Informatics forum boosts networking

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R Oct. 28-Dec. 2First Year Services Student Success SeminarsVarious student seminars such as library orientation, midterm exams,resume and portfolio building.Info: 585-5376www.uregina.ca/fys

Thurs., Oct. 28 - NoonSaskatchewan Institute of Public Policy Armchair Discussion Series“The Role and Impact of Continuing Education on Rural Revitalization”Speaker: Marilyn MillerWindow Room, Gallery Bldg., College Ave. CampusInfo: 585-5869

Thurs., Oct. 28 - 1:15 p.m.Chemistry seminar“Is there a role for Chemistry in High Pressure Physics?”Speaker: John TseRm. 408, Classroom Bldg.Info: 585-4146

Fri., Oct. 29 - 3:30 p.m.Biology seminar“Root-based N2-fixing Symbioses: Legumes, Actinorhizal Plants,Parasponia sp. and Cycads”Speaker: Kevin VesseyRm. 128, Classroom Bldg.Info: 585-4146

Fri., Oct. 29 - 1:30 p.m.Computer Science seminar“Extending Parameter Space Navigation”Speaker: Paul SchmiedgeRm. 420, Classroom Bldg.Info: 585-4633

Fri., Oct. 29 - 3 p.m.Fine Arts Lecture Series“Departures and Arrivals: Assessing Interdisciplinarity through The BusProject”Panelists: Rachelle Viader Knowles, Randal Rogers, Daryl Hepting &Kathleen IrwinRm. 050, Riddell Centre Info: 585-5529

Sun., Oct. 31 - 8 p.m.Best of Baroque Concert SeriesLutheran Reformation-themed concert featuring the Luther Bach ChoirTickets $5 - available at the doorRex Schneider Auditorium, Luther CollegeInfo: 791-9160

Mon., Nov. 1 - 3:30 p.m.HRI Scholarship Series Essay Award and PresentationPresentation and a talk given by the Humanities Research Institute winnerSpecial Guest: Lisa ComeauRm. 114, Education Bldg.Info: 585-4304

Tues., Nov. 2 - 10:30 a.m.Saskatchewan Institute of Public Policy Professional Outreach ProgramSASKATCHEWAN CHECK UP 2004: Saskatchewan as a Place to Live, Workand InvestSpeaker: Nola JoorisityWindow Room, Gallery Bldg., College Ave. CampusInfo: 585-5869

Wed., Nov. 3 - 7 p.m.; Thurs., Nov. 4 - 1:15 p.m.Chemistry seminarVan Cleave Lecture“The Antibiotic Resistance Crisis: Challenges, Origins and Solutions”Speaker: Gerry WrightRm. 126, Classroom Bldg.; Rm. 408, Classroom Bldg.Info: 585-4146

Nov. 3-7 Fine Arts performanceA satirical look at the art scene in London during the boom in the lateeighties“Three Birds Alighting On A Field”University Theatre, Riddell CentreInfo/tickets ($6 or $8): 585-5500

Wed., Nov. 3 - 4 p.m.Sociology seminar“Recent developments in the Quebec sovereignty movement”Speaker: John ConwayRm. 420, Classroom Bldg.Info: 585-4443

Wed., Nov. 3 - 4 p.m.Saskatchewan Institute of Public Policy Member’s NightSIPP members are invited to enjoy a wine and cheese reception. Newmembers welcome. Must register.Speakers: Roy Romanow & Roger GibbonsWindow Room, Galley Bldg., College Ave. CampusInfo/Register: 585-5863

For a complete Calendar of Events at the University of Regina visit our Website at www.uregina.ca

PLUG INTOThe Information and Communications Technology

Networking ForumIn Regina's Research Park

Thursday, November 4, 20043:00 - 6:00 PM(Reception begins at 5:00)Rotunda, 10 Research Drive

Want to know what's happening in Regina in the fields of engineering, computer science and new media?

Come discover how Regina's vibrant research community and local businesses are working together to develop exciting, innovative products and services.

REGINA

RESEARCH

PARK

For Information and RSVPRavi Jain at 585-4984 (Ravi.Jain@uregina.ca)

Partners: University of Regina, University Industry Liaison OfficeNational Research Council, Industrial Research Assistance Program

Saskatchewan Opportunities Corporation, Regina Research Park

Saskatchewan Institute of Public Policy members are invited to attend a Member’s Night wine and

cheese reception. SIPP’s Board Chairperson, Mr. Harold MacKay, invites all to come and listen to

Roy Romanow reflect on the Institute's value to the policy community and Roger Gibbins provide

insight on the West's current place in the federation. Introductory remarks by Bonnie Durnford.

Not a Member? Not a Problem.

THE FINE PRINT: This event is free for SIPP members and you must be a member of SIPP to attend. Please register by calling (306) 585-5869 or emailing sipp@uregina.ca.

LOCATION:SIPP WINDOW ROOM

2nd Floor, Gallery BuildingCollege Avenue and Cornwall Street

University of Regina, Regina, SK SIPPM E M B E R ’ S N I G H T

November 3, 2004 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Become a member of SIPP by November 3, 2004, and attend this event! One year of membership ($45.00) includes full member benefits and an

invitation to Members' Night.

Roger GibbinsPresident andCEO of theCanada WestFoundation(Calgary)

Roy RomanowSenior PolicyFellow,SaskatchewanInstitute ofPublic Policy

Bonnie DurnfordDeputy Minister,SaskatchewanLearning & SIPPBoard Member

The Virgen de Regla is associated with Yemaya in the Santeria scheme of things. Thisphoto was taken in the Virgen de Regla church in Guanabacao, Cuba.U of R photo by AV Services

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Craig Chamberlin (left), dean of the Faculty of Kinesiology and HealthStudies, receives a cheque for $37,000 - raised by the annualSweetheart Run - from Kevin Antrobus of the Forzani Group Foundation.The funds will be used to buy cardiac equipment for the Dr. PaulSchwann Applied Health and Research Centre.

U of R photo by AV Services

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