Not only is 2024 the 50th anniversary of the University of Regina, it’s the 25th anniversary of Joe Farard’s sculpture “Mind’s Garden,” which has resided in between the Library and Wascana Lake since 1999. The piece’s 16 panels are constructed of cast bronze using the “lost styrofoam” process, in which Fafard’s images are projected on the styrofoam and cut with a cold knife. Fafard then shaped and rounded the pieces using a torch. The shaped pieces are placed in sand into which molten bronze is poured, replacing the styrofoam.
The first and third photos in this post (both taken in 1997) were part of a recent donation to the U of R Archives of materials from the Douglas Udell Gallery. Doug Udell was a noteworthy Canadian art dealer and gallery owner who was a friend and champion of Joe Farard, in addition to many other contemporary Canadian artists. The first image is of Farard and businessman/philanthropist Gordon Diamond, who funded the creation of the work and who would later officially gift it to the University. The third image shows Fafard surveying the site which would later house “Mind’s Garden.” Image 2 is the sculpture in August 2024.
Information Services staff are settling into their brand new service desk (formerly the IT Help Desk) at the back of the computer commons (under the big Kenneth Lochhead paintings.) Previously IS had been temporary relocated at the main Help Desk, but as the main floor renovations are now over, they can finally move to their new home. The IS Service Desk staff can assist with computer and technology questions, printing set-up, U of R username and log-in troubleshooting, and other related issues.
Some photos from Tuesday’s “Our Rooted Relatives” presentation. We were honored to host Elder Betty McKenna from Sapotawayak Reserve, Treaty 4 Manitoba, who shared her vast wisdom about traditional medicinal plants and their centuries-long use in Indigenous culture (including a hands-on sampling of dried herbs, leaves and seeds.) Afterwards, Dr. Fidji Gendron from the First Nations University of Canada presented on her ongoing work with Elder Betty.
This event was part of National Indigenous History Month at the Archer Library & Archives.
Join the Dr. John Archer Library & Archives on June 25th, 2024 as we celebrate National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day.
Elder Betty McKenna (Sapotawayak Reserve, Treaty 4 Territory in Manitoba) and Dr. Fidji Gendron (Associate Dean [Academic] and Professor of Biology at First Nations University of Canada) will present on the importance of flora and land-based knowledge from an Indigenous worldview. This event is free and open to the public.
Join the Dr. John Archer Library & Archives on June 25, 2024 as it helps celebrate National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day.
Elder Betty McKenna, from Sapotawayak Reserve, Treaty 4 Territory in Manitoba and Dr. Fidji Gendron, Associate Dean (Academic) and Professor of Biology at First Nations University of Canada, will present on the importance of flora and land-based knowledge from an Indigenous worldview. This event is free and open to the public.
June is Indigenous History Month and as part of our celebrations we’ve created an interactive online game about indigenous medicinal plants. Navigate a helpful bunny in and around the virtual Archer Library to collect plants to help a sick friend, either on your smartphone or using a desktop keyboard. Full instructions, as well as a link to the game, can be found here:
Also at that link is a related online contest about indigenous medicinal plants, which is open to currently registered U of R students (and those registered with the federated colleges.) The first ten entries will win library prize bags!