GOVERNMENT OF SASKATCHEWAN PROCLAIMS HERITAGE WEEK IN OUR PROVINCE

The Government of Saskatchewan has proclaimed February 17-23 as Heritage Week.

“Heritage Week reminds us that only when we understand our past can we create a successful present and a vibrant future,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Kevin Doherty said. “I encourage communities, organizations and individuals across the province to participate in Heritage Week. Heritage buildings and historic neighbourhoods are attractive places to live, work and play, enhancing the quality of life that we all enjoy.”

Saskatchewan’s rich heritage is reflected in historic places, artifacts, traditions and stories.  Palaeontological and archaeological sites are important sources of information about Saskatchewan’s ancient past.  Hundreds of museums, parks and historic sites provide recreational and learning opportunities for Saskatchewan people, and are exciting destinations for tourists and other visitors. 

“The Saskatchewan Heritage Foundation is proud to partner with the Government of Saskatchewan to celebrate Heritage Week in our province,” Saskatchewan Heritage Foundation Chair Wesley Moore said. “This week helps remind the people of Saskatchewan that there are endless opportunities to visit and learn about historic resources in our province.”

“Our province’s diverse heritage resources, from languages to landscapes and beyond, are irreplaceable,” Heritage Saskatchewan President Kristin Enns-Kavanagh said. “Our heritage is who we are - and knowing who we are helps us plan where we’re going, individually and as a society. This is why Heritage Saskatchewan wholeheartedly supports setting aside a week to honour and celebrate our province’s heritage. We want future generations to be able to learn from Saskatchewan’s past.”

The Government of Saskatchewan funds a variety of heritage initiatives in the province. In 2011, the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport launched the three-year Main Street Saskatchewan Demonstration Program to help communities revitalize their historic downtowns. The Government of Saskatchewan’s heritage programs and investments in museums, parks and the Saskatchewan Heritage Foundation help preserve innumerable artifacts, thousands of acres of naturally and culturally-significant lands and more than 800 designated heritage properties.

 
A great way to enjoy Heritage Week is to learn more about the historic places in our communities and around the province.  Mr. Donovan Rypkema, an expert on downtown revitalization and the economics of heritage conservation, will deliver a public lecture Thursday, February 21, 7 p.m., at The Artesian, 2627 13th Avenue, Regina. Rypkema will discuss why conserving and redeveloping heritage buildings for housing and other community purposes is a good idea, making his lecture relevant to both residents and the business community.

Information about Saskatchewan’s officially designated Provincial and Municipal Heritage Properties can be found on the Saskatchewan Register of Heritage Property at www.pcs.gov.sk.ca/heritage-property-search. For a calendar of Heritage Week events happening across the province, visit http://heritagesask.ca/blog/events.

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For more information, contact:

Sean St. George
Parks, Culture and Sport
Regina
Phone: 306-787-9087
Email: sean.stgeorge@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-526-8635