Researchers from the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI), together with colleagues and students from the University of the South Pacific (USP), were prominent participants in The Global Symposium on Gender and Fisheries which took place in Penang, Malaysia, recently. UPEI and USP have been working together to train South Pacific fisheries researchers and support their research on gender issues in small-scale fisheries.

"Women are actively engaged in harvesting, processing and selling fish, both for family food and domestic markets, plus they are integral supports for men's commercial and export oriented fisheries," notes Dr. Irene Novaczek, Director of the Institute of Island Studies at UPEI, "yet women's work, although critical to food security and community well-being, is rarely acknowledged or documented."

Under the direction of Dr. Jean Mitchell and Dr. Novaczek of UPEI, and Dr Joeli Veitayaki of USP, Pacific researchers from Kiribati, Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu documented the critical roles women have in modern fisheries, and how gender roles have changed over time. Several of these studies were showcased in the Global Gender and Fisheries Symposium. Novaczek presented three papers. One told the story of Lelepa Island in Vanuatu. On this island, fisheries are severely depleted. Efforts to manage and conserve marine resources have met with limited success, in part because women and youth, who are active fishers, have no role in public decision-making. A second paper, co-authored by Novaczek and Mitchell, discussed how important it is to reject stereotypes and analytical processes that reinforce discrimination against women and perpetuate the view that women's work is unimportant. In a third paper, Novaczek looked at edible and medicinal marine plants as resources for rural women's small business development in the Pacific.

Novaczek reports that academics from all over Asia and the Pacific have shown interest in UPEI's unique Master of Arts in Island Studies Program."I hope that international exposure such as this will lead to exciting new collaborations with island researchers in Asia and the South Pacific," she notes. "In the recent tsunami, at least one university marine station in that region was heavily damaged. Tragically, a bright young marine researcher from the Andaman Islands is among the dead. The Institute of Island Studies will be looking for opportunities to develop projects that help to rebuild capacity in that region."

UPEI is pleased to announce that Dr. Irene Novaczek of Breadalbane, PEI has been appointed as the new Director of the Institute of Island Studies. She brings to this position a rich international experience in marine science, coastal resources management, and community development on small islands. Dr. Novaczek replaces Jane Ledwell who has taken a position with the PEI Council on the Status of Women.

Dr. Richard Kurial, Dean of Arts at UPEI, commented: "Under the leadership of Harry Baglole, the founding director, the Institute achieved a strong local and international reputation. Jane Ledwell built on the Institute's reputation for excellence and helped establish our unique Master's Program in Island Studies, which now involves 22 graduate students. In the past year, Dr. Godfrey Baldacchino was installed as Canada Research Chair in Island Studies. With the addition of Dr. Novaczek to the team, we anticipate continued growth, development, and success for Island Studies at UPEI."

Novaczek is known locally as an active citizen involved with environmental and social justice issues, and internationally as a marine scientist and community development practitioner. She has lived and worked on islands most of her life, in Canada, Europe, New Zealand, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia and the South Pacific. She recently worked with Pacific Islands researchers to document gender issues in small-scale fisheries. A book entitled, "Pacific Voices: Equity and Sustainability in South Pacific Fisheries," edited jointly by Dr. Novaczek, Dr. Jean Mitchell of UPEI, and Dr. Joeli Veitayaki of the University of the South Pacific, will be published later this year.

The mandates of the Institute of Island Studies include the promotion of research and policy analysis, and the linking of the university to the wider Island community. "This process of research, analysis and public engagement helps ensure that we understand, appreciate and conserve what makes our own island special," notes Novaczek, "while selecting development paths that are life- affirming and sustainable. The Institute also communicates and collaborates with island-based researchers all over the world, a process that helps us to learn and benefit from the experience of other islands while sharing our own expertise."

The Institute will mark its 20th anniversary this year and Dr. Novaczek points out that "this is an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of island artists, historians, scientists and other researchers, not only those on campus but also those active in the wider community." She adds that, "by taking time to note our accomplishments and our potential, we consolidate the base from which to launch new initiatives that will maintain the Institute as a relevant and progressive partner in public policy development on PEI."

A groundbreaking agreement that will improve the way training is delivered to federal and provincial public servants in PEI was signed on February 8 by representatives of government and academia. The agreement, the first of its kind in Canada, will bring accessible, affordable and relevant learning to public servants in Prince Edward Island

On hand for the signing were: Wade MacLauchlan, President of the University of Prince Edward Island; Alex MacAulay, President of Holland College; Janice Cochrane, President of the Canada School of the Public Service (CSPS); Dan Woodin, Second Vice-Chair of the PE.I Federal Council; Verna Bruce, Associate Deputy Minister of Veterans Affairs Canada; and Jim Ferguson, CEO of the P.E.I. Public Service Commission.

The partners will work in collaboration to achieve the objectives of the agreement, which are: to provide affordable and relevant training, development and learning opportunities to support a high-performing, professional public service; to utilize the training capacity of local learning institutions/organizations; and to increase access and participation of public servants to core and common learning offerings.

They will identify regional learning needs of federal and provincial public servants, determine the course content to meet these needs and identify trainers and subject matter experts. Each partner will also have a key specific role to play in accomplishing the objectives of the agreement. The Canada School of Public Service, as the common learning service provider for the Public Service of Canada, will determine evaluation criteria, provide curriculum, and monitor the quality and relevance of offerings.

The PEI Federal Council, which is made up of representatives from federal government departments and agencies in PEI who are dedicated to the retention and development of a high-performing, professional public service, will help determine regional federal learning needs. And as the major federal employer in PEI, Veterans Affairs Canada will contribute in identifying the regional learning needs specific to their employees.

Holland College will act as the lead for both UPEI and the College in being the point of contact for addressing these learning needs. A steering group, with representation from each of the six partners, will guide the development of course delivery. The Province of Prince Edward Island's focus in this partnership will be to explore synergies regarding core and common learning needs between federal and provincial public servants. This partnership will enhance current services provided to the Province by both Holland College and UPEI.

The agreement is in effect until March 31, 2007. For more information, contact Clive Keen, Director of the UPEI Centre for Life-long Learning, at 566-0440 or ckeen@upei.ca.

Every minute of every day another baby boomer turns 55 in Canada. The Atlantic provinces have more seniors per capita than any other part of the country, and that number is growing faster than anywhere else in the country. How will governments in the Atlantic region handle this challenge? That is the focus of a new almost $1.2 million research project out of Mount Saint Vincent University in which the University of Prince Edward Island is playing a key role. "Projecting the Housing Needs of Atlantic Canadians," brings together seniors, academics, service providers, housing developers and government departments to determine how to meet the housing needs of this rapidly-aging population.

Professor Judy-Lynn Richards, from the UPEI Department of Sociology and Anthropology, and Professor Lori Weeks, from the Department of Family and Nutritional Sciences, are two of the researchers involved. Richards, a gerontologist and social demographer, will lead the evaluation team and participate in questionnaire construction, data collection, and statistical projections.

"This project is a unique opportunity for UPEI, and other universities, to build on the good working relationships we already have with seniors, community groups, and government so that we can plan for the future housing needs of Atlantic Canada's senior population," says Richards. "Never before has there been such a collaborative effort on all fronts to address seniors' housing in the region. The alliance will work to respond to the varied housing needs of the relatively rural, but diverse, population of Atlantic seniors. I am proud to be a part of this collective project, to collaborate with many different stakeholders, especially seniors, to effect policy change related to seniors' housing options."

Weeks, a gerontologist and expert on family, will chair the PEI research implementation team. She will co-chair the PEI stakeholder group with Irene Larkin, Executive Director of the PEI Senior Citizens' Federation. Together, they will seek input from various sources in the community. Weeks will also analyze seniors' housing choices available across Canada and internationally.

"I am very pleased to be involved with this timely and important research," says Weeks. "Gerontologists need to be aware of current services and supports for seniors, and to what extent these will meet future needs. This research will help us to anticipate what type and amount of seniors' housing will be needed in the future on PEI and in Atlantic Canada. A strength of this research is that academics will work with government agencies and community groups to both conduct the research and develop policy."

The PEI Senior Citizens' Federation, as project collaborator, the Centre for the Study on Health and Aging, as partner, and other groups on PEI with an interest in seniors' housing will also play a major role in the research. Funding comes from a $1 million grant from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and#150; Community-University Research Alliance (CURA) program. An additional $181,000 comes from the government of Nova Scotia, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Dalhousie University, the University of Prince Edward Island, Memorial University of Newfoundland, the University of New Brunswick and Mount Saint Vincent University.

The research will result in policy recommendations that will be used to assist government decision-makers, housing developers, and community organizations to design and plan for seniors' housing needs over the next 20 years.

Student nurses from the University of Prince Edward Island are making a name for themselves at the national level. Over the past few months they have won two awards from the Canadian Nursing Students Association (CNSA) and one from the Canadian Nurses Foundation.

"We have excellent students here at the UPEI School of Nursing. The fact that these students are competitive at a national level simply confirms this. The Faculty are extremely proud," says Kim Critchley, Acting Dean of Nursing.

The Canadian Nurses Foundation promotes health and patient care across Canada by supporting nursing research and education. The foundation has selected Erin Coady of Stratford, PEI as the first recipient of the Dr. Margaret Munro Scholarship, introduced in 2004 and valued at $3,000. Munro was the first Dean of Nursing at UPEI. The foundation established the national award in her name because of her strong commitment to nursing education and leadership. In addition to her support of the Canadian Nurses Foundation, Munro has created two nursing awards at UPEI, and is a member of the UPEI Visionary Society.

"I have great respect for Dr. Munro and I feel very honoured to be selected from applicants right across the country for this Canadian Nurses Foundation scholarship," says Erin Coady who is currently in her third year. After she graduates from UPEI she intends to pursue a master's degree as a nurse-practitioner.

At the Canadian Nursing Students Association national conference held recently in Windsor, Ontario, fourth-year Melanie McCarthy was awarded the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing scholarship valued at $2,000 US. Nursing students from across Canada compete for this annual scholarship which recognizes clinical excellence.

"Partnership with clients and patients is key to clinical success. As a student, I am able to achieve clinical excellence due to the quality preceptors, mentors, and educational instructors I have experienced," says McCarthy, whose current interests include surgical nursing and health and nursing policy.

The CNSA, with over 10,000 members, is an affiliate member of the Canadian Nurses Association. In addition to honouring individual student achievement, the organization recognizes associations whose work increases student awareness and participation in CNSA within the university, regionally, and nationally. This year, the UPEI chapter carried off the CNSA Atlantic Region Achievement Award which was presented at the closing banquet of the CNSA national conference. The award will be displayed at the UPEI School of Nursing. Melanie McCarthy is the national delegate from the UPEI Chapter of CNSA for 2004-2005 and Brianne Timpson is associate delegate.

The public is invited to attend a free Culture Cafand#233; called Small Acts: Island Communities Within a Globalizing World on Wednesday, February 23, at 7 pm, at the Confederation Centre Art Gallery.

On December 26, 2004, tsunamis caused by earthquakes killed more than 150,000 people around the Indian Ocean, including on Andaman Islands, Hafun, the Maldives, the Nicobar Islands, Phuket, the Seychelles, Sri Lanka and Sumatra. Once again putting islands on the map and agenda globally, such large-scale disasters and smaller-scale incidents like the storm surges that have devastated coastal areas locally are reminders of the vulnerability of islands to natural disasters and the challenges that isolated geographies face when dealing with risk and disasters.

During this cafand#233;, audience members can join in an informal dialogue with UPEI faculty members Dr. Godfrey Baldacchino, Dr. Edward MacDonald, Dr. Irene Novaczek and Professor. Annie Spears who will speak from their particular areas of expertise about the forms of vulnerability experienced by island settings and the potential roles that islands may play in the public and political sphere. The discussion will explore the role of island connections and possibilities of mutual learning and aid among islands, the role of island researchers in preventing, mitigating and responding to natural disasters, as well as development paths and how they may worsen the vulnerabilities of islands.

Island societies vary extensively in their physical size and location, environmental conditions and natural resources, cultural, social, economic and political profiles, historical experiences, and relative insularity or peripherality. This event will examine a possible shared role amongst island-dwellers in a globalizing world - their unique position to contribute to the study and creation of knowledge regarding the characteristics and abilities of small islands, and the potential for "small acts" which could respond to and be used to reduce their vulnerability.

Dr. Irene Novaczek is the newly appointed Director of the Institute of Island Studies at UPEI. A former board member for CUSO, she has been working as an independent scientific and research consultant in marine ecology and coastal community development.

Dr. Godfrey Baldacchino is the first Canada Research Chair in Island Studies and an associate professor in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at UPEI. He is also visiting professor to the Department of Sociology at the University of Malta and the director of its Workers' Development Centre.

UPEI history professor Dr. Edward MacDonald focuses his research on PEI history, placing it within a comparative context, regionally, nationally, and in terms of island societies. As well, he is interested in tourism here and the subject of cultural transference within immigrant groups coming to Atlantic Canada in the 18th- and 19th-centuries.

Professor Annie Spears is the coordinator of the Master of Arts in Island Studies, and professor of economics at the University of Prince Edward Island.

The Gallery's Culture Cafand#233;s are free forums for open dialogue on vital current issues. All are welcome. Coffee and refreshments will be served. For more information, contact Shauna McCabe, Senior Curator, at 629-1152.

The Senate of the University of Prince Edward Island has selected the recipients of honorary doctoral degrees to be conferred for the 2004-2005 academic year. Five honorary degrees will be conferred at two convocations on Saturday, May 14. The recipients will be Honourable James Lee, Colin MacDonald, the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Martha, John Joe Sark, and Charles Stewart Scranton.

"Over the years, UPEI has been proud to recognize outstanding achievements by Prince Edward Islanders and others through the awarding of honouring degrees," says UPEI President Wade MacLauchlan. "Our 2005 recipients are wonderful role models for our graduates and for the entire community; we are happy to celebrate their successes and contributions."

Hon. James Lee served as an MLA for 11 years, as Minister of Health and Social Services, Minister of Tourism, and Premier of PEI (1981-86). After he became Premier, he seized the establishment of the Atlantic Veterinary College as the top in his mandate. His determination to expand post-secondary education and foster development on PEI has been recognized as a primary factor leading to Ottawa and the Atlantic provinces signing an agreement to build the college at UPEI. Mr. Lee has been active in numerous organizations, including the Canadian Unity Council, Veterans Review and Appeal Board and Canadian Pension Commission, Canadian Jaycee Senate, North Shore Community Council, Stanhope Historical Society, 4 H, and Hillsborough Rotary. He has recently retired as Chair of the Workers' Compensation Board of PEI.

Colin MacDonald has had an extensive career in the international seafood industry. He is President and CEO of Clearwater Seafoods Limited Partnership, and is co-owner and director of Clearwater Fine Foods Inc. An active community member and volunteer, his activities include serving as Chair of the IWK Children's Hospital Foundation, and chairing the Chester and Area Family Resource Centre and the Wherehouse Youth Centre. Mr. MacDonald is a strong supporter of the Atlantic Veterinary College and UPEI through his leadership and vision as a founding member of the AVC Lobster Science Centre. He has also served as President of the Canadian Lobster Producers' Association.

The Congregation of the Sisters of St. Martha, commonly referred to as "The Marthas", was founded in 1916. The activities of the Congregation have had a powerful and positive influence in PEI. They have participated extensively in higher education at St. Dunstan's University and UPEI, and in primary and secondary education as teachers and administrators. The Sisters of Martha have made significant contributions to health care in their diverse roles in the Charlottetown, Queen Elizabeth, and Western hospitals. They have also contributed to the social welfare of Islanders through their activities involving child welfare, treatment centres, and health care for seniors, as well as parish and prison ministry. They have lived up to their motto, "to love and serve," throughout PEI and beyond.

John Joe Sark was the first Island Mi'kmaq graduate of UPEI in 1979. He is the Keptin of the Mi'kmaq Grand Council and one of the foremost authorities on the Mi'kmaq people. Sark has led the way in speaking out against racist attitudes and actions on PEI. He is well-known across Canada for his work on campaigns in support of human rights and against racism. As a representative of the Mi'Kmaq Council, Sark has lobbied for rights and recognition internationally, including audiences with the Pope regarding residential schools. He was involved in the drafting of the UN Declaration of Indigenous Peoples of the World. In February 2005, he was recognized for his accomplished career with a National Aboriginal Achievement Award.

Charles Stewart Scranton had a 32-year career in agriculture, first as a poultry fieldman and later as Inspector in Charge of the Poultry Division of Agriculture Canada for PEI. He retired early to devote his time to the raising and promotion of Hereford cattle. The high quality Herefords of Scranton Park Ranch have captured numerous national honours. Mr. Scranton has served as a director of many agricultural organizations, including the PEI Federation of Agriculture and the Canadian Hereford Association. In 2005, in his 90th year, he will serve as President of the Easter Beef Show and Sale, a role that he has played for many years. Mr. Scranton has spent much of his life supporting his community and church. He was a founder of Camp Segunakadeck (Seggie), one of the largest Baptist camps in Atlantic Canada. A new chapel on the camp site bears the name "Scranton Chapel" in recognition of Charles and his wife, Helen Scranton's many years of service and support.

In the heavily populated and culturally diverse country of India, providing equal access to basic education to all children is a major challenge. Across the subcontinent, 90 per cent of India's estimated 40 million children aged four-16 years with physical and mental disabilities are out of school. On February 27, the government of India took a significant step forward in the movement to include more disabled children in the regular education system when it launched a new curriculum model entitled "A Whole School Approach to Inclusion," published by Education World.

One of the two researchers who developed the new curriculum was Dr. Vianne Timmons, Vice President of Academic Development from the University of Prince Edward Island. She defines inclusive education as "every child learning together in his/her neighbourhood school. All children are welcomed in the school and all children learn together in the regular classroom."

Dr. Timmons travelled to New Delhi to attend the launch of "A Whole School Approach to Inclusion," which took place during a major international conference called North-South Dialogue III: Towards a Global Alliance that began on February 27 and runs until March 4.

"This curriculum took five years to develop. It provides guidelines for teachers to work with families and instructional strategies that focus on developing a classroom that welcomes all children," says Dr. Timmons.

Dr. Timmons has been working for the past five years as Lead Consultant for Training with the National Resource Centre for Inclusion, India (NRCI). The National Resource Centre for Inclusion has been supported through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and the Roeher Institute, Toronto. She has carried out her extensive research and curriculum development work in cooperation with Dr. Mithu Alur, Principal Coordinator, India, of the NRCI. Dr. Timmons' study of inclusive education in India has involved 3,000 children in 53 schools. The result is a detailed Code of Practice manual that outlines the important steps that must be taken by staff, children, families, and heads of schools to make it possible for disabled children to be accepted and to be successful. The document also includes numerous case studies that describe successful inclusive education practices in India.

A historic landmark in the evolution for disabled people in India took place in 1995 when the Persons with Disability Act was passed to promote the integration of disabled children into normal schools. Since then, the National Resource Centre for Inclusion has been committed to creating "the how of inclusion." The methodology framework researched and developed by Dr. Timmons and her colleagues is an important first step in accomplishing that mission.

In addition to her work as Vice President Academic Development at the University of Prince Edward Island, Dr, Timmons carries out research in family literacy and knowledge translation. She is presently working on a program to learn more about Aboriginal children's perceptions of health and education.

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A third-year business student at the University of Prince Edward Island was recognized recently by the Canadian Millennium Scholarship Foundation. The Foundation awarded Matthew O'Halloran a top-level in-course scholarship valued at $10,000 over two years. Only 100 Tier 1 awards are given out each year across the country.

"These excellence awards are both an investment in the future of our country and a way of recognizing some exceptional Canadians. The Foundation's millennium excellence award laureates come from many different backgrounds and have lots of different interests, yet they all share an ability to inspire those around them through their achievements, their leadership and their dedication," said Gand#233;rard Veilleux, chairman of the Foundation's Board of Directors.

The Canada Millennium Scholarship Foundation is a private and independent organization created by an act of Parliament in 1998. It encourages Canadian students to strive for excellence in their post-secondary studies.

William E. "Bill" Andrew, a 1973 Engineering graduate of UPEI, was installed on March 6 as the University's seventh Chancellor. He is President of Penn West Petroleum Ltd., the fifth largest independent oil and gas company in Canada. He is also a member of the Board of Governors of the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers.

A native of Milton, PEI, he now resides in Calgary but he and his wife, Denise have many continuing attachments to Prince Edward Island. They have a home in Stanley Bridge and, together with Bill's brothers, Brian and Rollin, they co-own Meridian Farms in Milton where they stable standardbred horses. Andrew also runs a successful horse breeding ranch in Alberta.

Bill Andrew has been active in many community and philanthropic initiatives. He has been a trustee of the Grace Women's Health Centre, President of the Alberta Standardbred Horse Association, a director of Standardbred Canada, and a fundraising leader for Alberta Children's Hospital, United Way of Calgary, Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, and Woods Home-EXIT Program.

The new Chancellor is a founder of the Calgary group Friends of UPEI, which supports 14 students annually with scholarships to study at UPEI. He and his wife have also created a new scholarship endowment at UPEI for students in Education and Engineering.

William Andrew takes over from well-known philanthropist and journalist, Norman Webster C.M., B.A., M.A., D.C.L. who served as Chancellor from 1996 to 2004. Previous chancellors were:

The Honourable Thane A. Campbell, C.C., M.A., LL.D.- May 14, 1970

Gustave Gingras, C.C., M.D., F.R.S.A., LL.D., F.R.C.P.(c)- May 12, 1974

David Macdonald Stewart, C.M., C.St.J., K.L.J., F.R.S.A., F.H.S.(c), Hon. LL.D., Hon. D.B.A.

- October 1, 1982

The Honourable Gordon L. Bennett, O.C., B.Sc., M.Sc., LL.D., D.C.L.- March 9, 1985

Doris H. Anderson, O.C., B.A., LL.D.- October 24, 1992