Report on the Opening Reception
The canada-Maghreb Centre
October 24, 2002

"Let the margin speak."

The official opening of the Canada-Maghreb Centre took place on October 24, 2002 (United Nations Day). The Centre, unique in North America, was created as a result of the initiative and sustained efforts of University Professor Hédi Bouraoui, who was among the first to promote the academic study of Maghrebian and Franco-Ontarian literatures in North America. He has generously given an endowment to the University to help establish this Centre, and has donated books and journals he has collected over the last thirty-five years from the Maghreb, from Sub-Saharan Africa, the Caribbean, and so forth.

The activities of the Centre are organized around the following two axes:

The Canada-Maghreb Research Library whose objective is to provide Documentary and research assistance to all who are interested in Maghrebian and Francophone Canadian literatures, and to advance research in these areas by playing an active role in training young Scholars in these fields.

The Association "Les Amis de Hédi Bouraoui " ("The Friends of Hédi Bouraoui") which will bring together scholars and others interested in the work of the writer Hédi Bouraoui.

As to infrastructure, the Centre is attached to Stong College of York University. It will be directed by the following Executive Committee:

-Elizabeth Sabiston (English/Graduate English) - Chair
-Adrian Shubert (History; Associate Vice-President, York International)
-Pablo Idahosa (Director, African Studies Programme)
-Ibrahim Badr (French Studies)
-Olimpia Spelciuc - Recording Secretary

Over thirty people attended the reception, including Stong Master Frances Flint and Dean of Arts Bob Drummond.

The Centre intends to establish a network of inter-university connections with universities in North Africa, France, Italy, as well as the United States and Canada. The list of contacts is currently being drawn up.

In addition, in order to facilitate communication and disseminate the research and debates being conducted, an Information Bulletin will be distributed to members. This report constitutes the first issue, and it will be sent electronically.

Funds accruing to the Centre will be used for three principal purposes:

1. To organize conferences, and invite visiting speakers/writers-in-residence;
2. To buy additional books in these areas;
3. To offer a research scholarship to a student.

In the long term, we foresee projects which aim at:

1. Internationalizing the activities of the Centre;
2. Organizing a Colloquium at York (our inaugural one) on Hédi Bouraoui's writing - provisionally scheduled for 2005;
3. Involving the Centre in curriculum development.

N.B. Would you like to become a member of "Les Amis de Hédi Bouraoui" and continue to receive our mailings and participate in our activities? If so, please e-mail/send your name, mailing address, e-mail address, telephone and fax number if relevant. There is no charge for membership. We look forward to hearing from you.