GOVERNMENT FUNDS $60,000 TO REPATRIATE THE CHIEF PASQUA PICTOGRAPH

The Government of Saskatchewan announced today that it will grant $60,000 to the Saskatchewan Heritage Foundation to support a bid to repatriate the Chief Pasqua Pictograph.

“The government is proud to assist in the proposed purchase of this historical document and to participate in its rightful return to Saskatchewan First Nations people,” Culture, Youth and Recreation Minister Glenn Hagel said.  “The pictograph is a symbol of our shared heritage, and it’s important that it be here in Saskatchewan.”

The Chief Pasqua Pictograph is unique in that it is the only known account of the Pasqua First Nations’ understanding of the 1874 Treaty Four negotiations which led to the creation of the two-panel ledger drawing.

“This funding announcement is a big boost to our effort to repatriate this Saskatchewan artifact,” Pasqua pictograph project co-ordinator Lorne Carrier said.  “This document has incredible beauty, as well as its significant cultural and heritage value.”

Today’s announcement of funding brings the Pasqua First Nation and File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council closer to securing the appropriate budget to successfully bid on the pictograph.

-30-

For more information, contact:

Rick Fink
Culture, Youth and Recreation
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5781
Email: rfink@cyr.gov.sk.ca