SASKATCHEWAN'S NORTH TO HOST TWO SIGNIFICANT CENTENNIAL CELEBRATIONS

The rich history of Saskatchewan's north will be in the spotlight this month with two premier events that celebrate the contributions of First Nations and Métis people.

"It is important during our centennial year to acknowledge the traditions, heritage and culture of our northern residents whose ancestors date back thousands of years before Saskatchewan became a province," Culture, Youth and Recreation Minister Joan Beatty said, while attending a committee meeting in La Ronge for the Gathering of Northern Elders. "I congratulate all northern communities and volunteers who are working so hard to make Saskatchewan's centennial year a memorable one for residents of the North and visitors to this region. I particularly want to acknowledge the work of the committee whose vision it was to find a way to honour our elders."

On June 9th, 2005, the Gathering of Northern Elders will get underway. The gathering is expected to draw about 5,000 people to La Ronge over a four-day period where they will learn about the teachings of northern elders and pay tribute to the First Nations - the Woodland and Swampy Cree, the Dene, the Métis ancestors and later the Europeans who arrived in the North.

"Elders have played an enormous role in Aboriginal society and their values and teachings are more important than ever in this world of constant change and rapid growth," Organizing Committee Co-Chair Anita Jackson said. "This event is an excellent opportunity for elders to visit with their peers, to pass along their teachings to an upcoming generation and to enable young people to rediscover a sense of pride in their language, culture and heritage."

"This is also an opportunity to learn about First Nations, Métis, and northern culture," Co-Chair Al Loke said. "The whole province is invited to share in the festivities. We are welcoming the opportunity for New North, along with the committee, to hold such a prestigious event in celebration of the province's centennial and acknowledging the northern way of life."

On June 18th, the Saskatchewan Centennial Canoe Quest begins with a media kick-off in Prince Albert. The race and pageant will begin two days later, on June 20th, in Clearwater River Dené Nation and finish in Cumberland House on July 5th. Thirty-one teams from Saskatchewan, Alberta, Manitoba and Scotland will paddle a 25 foot (7.51 meters) voyageur canoes over the "Voyageur Trail", one of the most important historical trading routes on the Churchill River.

"The event is a northern collaboration, bringing communities together to celebrate Saskatchewan's centennial," Saskatchewan Canoe Quest organizer Sharalyn Reitlo said. "Communities along the 1,081 kilometre long voyageur highway will hold banquets, festivals, feasts and demonstrations to showcase their unique character as the race and pageant move from stage to stage."

As part of its $1.6 million Aboriginal Strategy, Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 is contributing $150,000 to the Gathering of Northern Elders and $110,000 to the Saskatchewan Centennial Canoe Quest.

"We are pleased to work closely with First Nations, Métis and northern communities to identify projects that reflect the spirit and culture of Saskatchewan Aboriginal people during our centennial year," Beatty said.

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For More Information, Contact:

Janet Peters Culture, Youth and Recreation Regina Phone: (306) 787-4967