SASKATCHEWAN CELEBRATES HERITAGE WEEK

The province is celebrating the past by proclaiming February 18 to 22 as Heritage Week in Saskatchewan.

"Heritage Week is an opportunity for your family to discover historic places in your community," Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Christine Tell said. "All around us are historic places that tell stories of family, tradition and life in times past. These places define our sense of place and serve as catalysts for tourism."

Since 1991, the Saskatchewan Heritage Foundation has annually asked the government to recognize Heritage Week in Saskatchewan in order to focus attention on our unique heritage and the importance of conserving historic places. Heritage Week coincides with Saskatchewan's Family Day and Heritage Canada Foundation's Heritage Day which are both celebrated February 18.

The Ministry of Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport, in partnership with the Saskatchewan Heritage Foundation, will host a public lecture by nationally-recognized lawyer and author Marc Denhez on February 20, 2008, at the Royal Saskatchewan Museum in Regina. Mr. Denhez will discuss how heritage building conservation contributes to community pride and sustainability and has significant implications for regional economic development.

The Government of Saskatchewan also intends to formally designate two new provincial Heritage Properties: the Dr. Lyell Gustin Residence in Saskatoon and the McNaughton Stores in Moosomin. For over 60 years, the Dr. Lyell Gustin Residence was home and studio for Lyell Gustin, a renowned music educator and founding member of the Saskatchewan Registered Music Teachers' Association. The McNaughton Stores are the oldest surviving general store buildings in Saskatchewan and one of the province's longest operating, independently-owned retail enterprises. At both these places, Saskatchewan people make a defining contribution to the province's unique cultural and historical identity.

For more information on Heritage Week in Saskatchewan and to view a register of designated provincial and municipal heritage properties in Saskatchewan, please visit the Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport website at www.tpcs.gov.sk.ca/heritage.

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For more information, contact:

Janet Peters
Tourism, Parks, Culture and sport
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4967