Month: January 2023

– Kaetlyn Phillips

Thanks to Kevin Manual from Toronto Metropolitan University, and Jeremy Buhler from University of British Columbia for providing input and advice on this topic.

This month we’re looking at the missing data on sexual orientation. While the 2021 Census of Canada contained a question on gender identity, it did not include a question on sexual orientation. Other censuses, such as the 2021 UK Census and the forthcoming 2023 New Zealand Census had/plan on having both a gender identity question and sexual orientation question. In theory, it makes sense to ask both questions, especially since the census already collects data on same-sex marriage and common-law relationships. Why not ask about sexual orientation and get more detailed, inclusive, and representative data?

In 2019 as part of the lead up to the 2021 Census, Statistics Canada reported that the largest information gap was the 2SLGBTQ+ gap including data on gender, sexual orientation, and both gender and sexual orientation. The general public, non-government organizations, academics, and government at all levels recognized the data gap and the increasing need to be more inclusive. However, in the Canadian Census for 2021, the reasoning for not including a question on sexual orientation was due to community consultation. The public consultation featured feedback from non-heterosexual participants who were concerned about having their data shared. Statistics Canada had the correct response as equity deserving groups should have control over whether or not these data are collected.

Through Statistics Canada, we do have approximate data on LGBTQ+ populations, but these data are starting to get dated and are collected through smaller surveys which provide less geographic data. There’s also community data collected by other organizations that can provide vital information, but cannot be applied to all of Canada. As discussed in Invisible Data Part 2, the census allows data to be consulted at a granular geographic level and typically has a high response rate (97% for 2021), which is useful for highlighting representation, identifying barriers, targeting services, and community policy planning. Consultation with the public is already beginning for the 2026 Census and it is possible the community consultation will result in a sexual orientation question. We won’t know what content will be added to Census until probably 2025, but it does appear that more inclusive data collection will be considered.

Starting February 1st, the Dr. John Archer Library & Archives invites you to participate in “Blind Date with a Sask Book.”

Here’s how it works: Visit the Archer Library to browse the display of wrapped books and judge each one—not by their cover, but by their descriptions. Once you have found a book that piques your interest, bring it to the Help Desk with your University of Regina ID Card to borrow your “Blind Date.” After you’ve read your book, rate your date! Use the QR code or Bitly link on the bookmark in your “Blind Date” to complete the “Rate your Date” form for a chance to win a one of two prize packages generously donated by the University of Regina Press (approximate value $125!) The books included in each prize pack are shown in the accompanying photo.

Borrow a “Blind Date Sask Book” and complete the “Rate your Date” form by February 14th, 2023 for a chance to win. The “Blind Date with a Sask Book” runs from February 1st through February 14th (Valentine’s Day) and aims to pair a reader with their perfect Sask book.

Rate your Date here: https://library.uregina.ca/literarycontest/f/blinddate

Welcome to the University Archives, Kennedy Ermel! As part of the requirements for an Honours History project and Arts internship, Kennedy is identifying stories and items in the Archives’ collection to support the U of R’s 50th anniversary celebrations in 2024.

For Indigenous people, storytelling is both a gift, and a very old custom to teach, entertain and remember. February is Aboriginal Storytelling Month and the Dr. John Archer Library & Archives will, along with other libraries, and community organizations throughout Saskatchewan, participate in the annual event. Join Elder Jane Carriere, a retired Métis nurse, entertainer, and beader, on Tuesday, February 14 at 1:30 pm in the Archway Gallery for a lively session! More information about the province-wide Aboriginal Storytelling project is at https://www.lssap.ca/sk-aboriginal-storytelling-2023.

The Dr. John Archer Archives and Special Collections is excited to announce that the newest donation from Regina artist Wilf Perreault is available for viewing and research. This collection includes many of Wilf’s creations, including prints, Christmas cards, and items from his early days as a young artist.

More information on the collection and the artist can be found here: https://www.uregina.ca/library/services/archives/collections/art-architecture/perreault.html

Image: Wilf Perreault “Heading Home” (2018) Silkscreen Print 76(2). Photo by Jason Cawood.

The Archer Library website now has a 3D virtual tour feature! It’s a great tool for new and prospective students who want to familiarize themselves with our building before they arrive in person, or for current and returning students who just need a refresher on where things are located. Try it out for yourself on our home page at the “3D Virtual Tour” link under “Popular Services.” Or go there directly: https://archer.uregina.ca/archertour/

The beginning of the Winter Semester brings the return of the annual Dr. John Archer Library Award. Every year we award $1000 to the undergraduate student who submits the best written and most compelling reflective essay on how the Library’s resources and services were instrumental in completing a graded University assignment or project.

Students have until Feb. 1, 2023 to apply through SAFA at https://www.uregina.ca/…/undergraduate…/sams.html

Details are also at https://library.uregina.ca/library_award

English Coaching in the Archer Library:

Jacey, a new URI English Coach will be available to students in the Archer Library’s Pasqua Room (107.1) on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Jacey will be available on a drop-in basis with some availability of booked appointments. Students can book here:

https://www.uregina.ca/international/global-learning-centre/glc-services-programs.html

The next session of the Archer Book Club will be a discussion about Minouche Shafik’s What We Owe Each Other.

“Minouche Shafik takes us through stages of life we all experience—raising children, getting educated, falling ill, working, growing old—and shows how a reordering of our societies is possible. Drawing on evidence and examples from around the world, she shows how every country can provide citizens with the basics to have a decent life and be able to contribute to society.” – Princeton University Press.

The Archer Book Club session for this month will happen on January 25th from 12-1 pm, over Zoom. More information about this month’s book and how to participate in the Archer Book Club can be found here: https://library.uregina.ca/c.php?g=716288&p=5270936

“Check out the glass display case in the Archer Commons (first floor) for a display curated by the students of Karla McManus’ ARTH 222 Critical Histories of Photography class. “Cigarette Cards & German National Socialism: Collecting the 1936 Olympics in Pictures” showcases student reflections on the Archives’ Theodore Heinrich postcard collection.”