Dominique Sarny has been named director of the University of Regina’s Institut Français.
An ethnologist, Sarny is currently researching the ethnology of the francophones of North America, with
reference to the Bretons of Saint Brieux, Saskatchewan, for his PhD. He holds bachelor’s and master’s
degrees from Laval University, where he won the 1994 Simonne Voyer Prize for the best master’s thesis in
ethnology.
In 1996-97, working with the University of Regina’s French Department, Sarny assisted with an
interdisciplinary research project on the cultural practices of Saskatchewan francophones. From 1997 to 2000 he was
co-investigator and research associate with the University’s Centre for Studies on French Canada and the
Francophonie. He lectured at the former University of Regina Language Institute from 2000 to 2002, and has been its
acting director since July 1, 2002.
As director, Sarny will oversee the implementation of the vision and mandate of the Institut Français.
The vision and mandate were developed through a consultative process that included members of the University and
the broader community – most notably representatives of the Saskatchewan francophone community. The
University’s Board of Governors approved the vision and mandate in mid-June, 2003, along with the renaming of
the Language Institute as the Institut Français.
As an academic centre for French post-secondary education in Saskatchewan, the Institut Français will
co-ordinate the provision of undergraduate instruction, in French, in various disciplines. It will also promote
French language, culture and heritage and will serve the French community by providing advice and support to those
interested in post-secondary education in the French language.
University of Regina Vice-President (Academic) Katherine Heinrich said Sarny’s appointment signals a
renewal of the University’s partnership with the French community in Saskatchewan, and a willingness to
explore a broad range of opportunities and local and national partnerships.
“This means Dominique has a unique opportunity,” said Heinrich. “While building on the
successes of the former Language Institute the Institut Français can forge new partnerships and create new
opportunities. Meanwhile the academic, research and community service programs of the University will be made more
accessible to the francophone community in Saskatchewan.”
The appointment took effect July 1. Sarny is currently on vacation, and will assume his new duties on his return
later in July.
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