CELEBRATING HERITAGE WEEK IN SASKATCHEWAN

The Government of Saskatchewan has proclaimed February 20 to 26, 2012 as Heritage Week in Saskatchewan.

"Heritage Week is a great way to showcase our vibrant culture and demonstrate how heritage in all its forms contributes to our economy, our sense of place and our enviable quality of life," Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Bill Hutchinson said. "I encourage communities and cultural organizations to celebrate Heritage Week by promoting their local museum or historic site, organizing a heritage walking tour or hosting a community cultural celebration. Heritage Week is a time to learn, discover, celebrate and honour our shared past."

This year, there are two new Provincial Heritage Property designations: the Fish Lake Métis Settlement and the Moose Mountain Chalet and Cabins.

The Fish Lake Métis Settlement is a unique example of an independent Métis community occupied from approximately 1945 to 1965. The Fish Lake Métis Settlement represents a period of transition and reflects the Métis' attempt to maintain their distinct cultural traditions. As a cultural landscape and archaeological site, the Fish Lake Métis Settlement furthers our understanding of Métis perspectives on family, community and the land.

The historic settlement is also important for its association with Henry James "Jim" Settee (1911-2005), one of the settlement's founders and long-time residents. Settee was a well-known and respected Métis elder, tracker, historian, community builder and spiritual leader.

The Moose Mountain Chalet and Cabins, which were constructed in 1931-32, are associated with the creation of the Saskatchewan provincial park's system.

Moose Mountain was one of six initial parks created in 1931 and the chalet was the largest building in the parks system at that time. The four cabins near the chalet are the last remaining examples of 14 originally built to accommodate park visitors and tourists. The buildings represent a rare rustic-inspired example of public architecture that was influenced by the U.S. National Park system.

The property is also important because of its association with Great Depression relief projects initiated in the 1930s by the federal and provincial governments. In Saskatchewan, the Great Depression resulted in the construction of many buildings, amenities and other public works in the newly formed parks system.

Designating heritage properties, like the Fish Lake Métis Settlement and the Moose Mountain Chalet and Cabins, reflect our collective history and give our communities their unique identity. They are also an important part of our tourism sector, contributing to a unique sense of place and to the province's distinctive character. As part of an active, vibrant tourism industry, historic places bring visitors to our communities.

Celebrate Heritage Week by learning more about the historic places in your community and around the province. The Saskatchewan Register of Heritage Property www.tpcs.gov.sk.ca/heritage-property-search can help you find historic places designated as Municipal or Provincial Heritage Property www.tpcs.gov.sk.ca/Designation. 

There are many Heritage Week activity ideas in the Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport's online Heritage Awareness Kit. To check those out, please visit www.tpcs.gov.sk.ca/heritageweek2012.

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For more information, contact:

Janice Wilby
Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5781
Email: janice.wilby@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-527-8152