FIRST NATIONS AND MÉTIS CELEBRATED THROUGH THE CENTENNIAL

The heritage, traditions and contributions of Saskatchewan's First Nations, Métis and northern communities will be celebrated throughout the province's centennial year. Three projects to be funded under a $1.6 million dollar Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 Aboriginal Strategy were announced today.

"The First Nations and Métis people have been a vital part of the prairies for hundreds of years and the Aboriginal strategy provides all Saskatchewan residents and visitors to our province with an opportunity to share in that rich history," Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 Chair Glenn Hagel said. "The programs supported by this strategy provide opportunity to bridge communities, connect cultures and discover the many common experiences that are shared by all people who make this province home."

Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 will provide up to $150,000 to the 2005 Centennial First Nations Summer Games. The Games are being held July 2nd to 8th, 2005, on the Kawacatoose First Nation. Up to 5,000 First Nations youth will compete at the games, which will also attract thousands of coaches, officials, organizers and volunteers.

"A Gathering of Northern Elders" will receive $150,000. The gathering will provide opportunity for people of all ages, from all cultures and from all regions of the province to meet and exchange their thoughts, stories and ways of life. The gathering will occur in La Ronge, Air Ronge and Lac La Ronge Cree Nation communities including Stanley Mission and Grandmother's Bay from June 9th to June 15th, 2005. In addition to honouring the past, the gathering will be used to bridge cultural relationships and usher in the next 100 years.

Saskatchewan's Blue Hills Production will receive up to $60,000 to support the development of "For the Love of the Land." This television program will highlight Saskatchewan's art scene from a First Nations perspective and include artists such as singer songwriter Buffy Sainte-Marie, Cree artist Allen Sapp and Métis fiddler John Arcand. The program will air on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and Saskatchewan Communications Network this fall.

"First Nations and Métis people lived here long before Saskatchewan achieved provincial status and it is important during our centennial year to celebrate their many contributions, which also helped to shape and define Saskatchewan and its role in Confederation," Culture, Youth and Recreation Minister Joan Beatty said.

Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 is working closely with First Nations, Métis and Northern communities to identify projects that reflect the spirit and culture of Saskatchewan Aboriginal people. The balance of the $1.6 million is available for other centennial projects that focus on the Aboriginal community throughout the province. Interested applicants may contact the centennial office for further information.

This $1.6 million is in addition to the $5.5 million in grant funding that is available for Aboriginal initiatives through the Community Initiatives Fund (CIF). Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 and the CIF are administered through the Department of Culture, Youth and Recreation.

Additional information on Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 is available online at www.sask2005.ca.

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For More Information, Contact:

Chris Shauf Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 Regina Phone: (306) 787-1254 Cell: (306) 530-5775