SASKATCHEWAN CELEBRATES HERITAGE DAY

Saskatchewan residents are invited to participate in heritage activities throughout the province in conjunction with Heritage Day in Saskatchewan on Monday, February 16th.

"Heritage is a fundamental part of our culture and our community. Heritage is important to preserving and appreciating our past – for our own benefit and as a legacy to future generations in Saskatchewan," Culture Youth and Recreation Minister Joan Beatty said. "We are building a culture of heritage conservation in Saskatchewan that celebrates our unique past, the present and our promising future."

Heritage Day is observed throughout Canada on the third Monday of February. Its objectives are to foster dialogue and pride about the meaning of being part of a Canadian community, to raise awareness of and to celebrate Canada's identity and history, and to increase our understanding of who we are.

Beatty today signed a proclamation promoting the 2004 Heritage Day in Saskatchewan. "A proclamation is a fitting way for the provincial government to recognize and celebrate the natural and cultural heritage of Saskatchewan and the value of heritage in our communities," Beatty said.

Promotion of Saskatchewan's heritage will be an important part of Saskatchewan's Centennial in 2005. "All Saskatchewan communities are encouraged to highlight their unique heritage as part of their plans to celebrate Saskatchewan's Centennial," Legislative Secretary Responsible for Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 Glenn Hagel said. "The Centennial is an opportunity to look in two directions at once…forward with optimism, and with pride in our past."

"Heritage is not a catalogue of the past, but rather a vital cultural resource to be passed on, learned and appreciated to enhance the texture of daily life and to ensure a richer future for the province. I have been impressed with the insight into, and the devotion to, our collective heritage that one sees in communities across Saskatchewan," Saskatchewan Heritage Foundation chairperson Dr. Bill Brennan said.

Communities across Saskatchewan are recognizing the value of heritage with events throughout the week of February 16th.

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For More Information, Contact:

Garth Pugh Culture, Youth and Recreation Regina Phone: (306) 787-4188