GENEALOGY SEARCHES NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE

People around the world now have access to their early Saskatchewan family history from their home computers with Saskatchewan Health's new online Genealogy Index.

"We are proud of our history and the people who made Saskatchewan what it is," Health Minister John Nilson said. "Providing easy access to that history with the new genealogy website furthers our remembrance and appreciation of the ancestors who helped shape our province into the wonderful place we know today."

"This centennial year is about recognizing and celebrating our province's past, which makes this genealogy project particularly significant," Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 Chair and Moose Jaw North MLA Glenn Hagel said.

The Vital Statistics Genealogy Indexes are available online at www.health.gov.sk.ca. The birth index allows access to information on live births that occurred more than 100 years ago and contains details such as: given name(s); surname; sex; date and place of birth; given names(s) and surname of the birth mother; given name(s) and surname of the birth father; and the live birth registration number.

The index of deaths that occurred more than 70 years ago and the index of marriages that occurred more than 75 years ago will be available in the next year.

Editors note: A photo opportunity with Health Minister John Nilson and Centennial 2005 Chair Glenn Hagel accessing the new Genealogical Index will be available at 2:00 pm today at the Saskatchewan Genealogical Society – Suite 201, 1870 Lorne St., Regina.

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For More Information, Contact:

Jocelyn Argue Health Regina Phone: (306) 787-4083