SASKATCHEWAN CELEBRATES HERITAGE DAY

The province is celebrating Heritage Day in Saskatchewan on Monday, February 20th.

"Our heritage tells a story," Culture, Youth and Recreation Minister Glenn Hagel said. "Heritage Day gives us all an opportunity to look around our communities and celebrate the stories that these historic places tell about our ancestors and who we have become as a people. Government House, for example, is a popular historic site in the province. It is a provincial treasure that can be explored and enjoyed by everyone."

Heritage Day, a program of the Heritage Canada Foundation, is celebrated each year on the third Monday in February. This year, the Heritage Canada Foundation's theme for the day is "Our Cultural Heritage Places".

"Saskatchewan has a significant number of cultural heritage places, including concert halls, opera houses, artists' studios, bandstands, cinemas, community halls, museums and art galleries," Saskatchewan Heritage Foundation Chair Dr. Bill Brennan said. "The Heritage Day theme chosen for 2006 celebrates these special buildings and sites."

Communities across Saskatchewan are encouraged to celebrate their past. Since 1991, the Saskatchewan Heritage Foundation has recognized Heritage Day. The province's participation in this national event focuses attention on the rich and diverse heritage of our province.

People can contact their local heritage association or historical society to find out what is going on in their own communities. To learn more about Saskatchewan's provincial heritage properties and programs go online to http://www.cyr.gov.sk.ca/heritage.html or to Government House Museum and Heritage Property at www.gr.gov.sk.ca/govhouse.

Government House Museum and Heritage Property combines a museum, interpretive centre, hospitality and education facilities, gift shop and the office of the Lieutenant Governor in one of Saskatchewan's premiere historic sites.

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For More Information, Contact:

Carlos Germann Culture, Youth and Recreation Regina Phone: (306) 787-5772	Garth Pugh Saskatchewan Heritage Foundation Regina Phone: (306) 787-4188
Michelle Burns Government Relations Regina Phone: (306) 787-2155