BUILDING PRIDE THROUGH CELEBRATIONS ACROSS SASKATCHEWAN

The Government of Saskatchewan today announced that it will contribute $434,450 through the Building Pride program to help 29 communities and organizations celebrate important milestones and undertake legacy initiatives.

"The Building Pride program recognizes significant achievements within Saskatchewan's communities," Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Dustin Duncan said. "Congratulations to the groups and organizations that planned these events and initiatives. I encourage everyone to take part and experience the pride of celebrating and learning about our provincial history."

The contributions range from $2,000 for the RM of Brokenshell to help celebrate its centennial to $45,000 for the Poundmaker Cree Nation Historical Society, which this year will commemorate the 125th anniversary of the Battle of Cut Knife, also known as the Battle of Poundmaker. The majority of the activities and events will take place in rural communities and several will commemorate important locations and events associated with the 1885 North West Resistance.

Also included in the grants announced today were two Building Pride projects of province-wide interest.

2010 is the 100-year anniversary of professional football in Saskatchewan. To help mark this milestone, the Government of Saskatchewan is contributing $60,000 to support projects being undertaken during the year through a partnership between the Mackenzie and Dunlop Art Galleries, Football Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Roughrider Football Club. These projects include the commissioning of original artwork by professional and youth artists and hosting of special skill-development clinics for minor football coaches.

This year also marks the 150th Anniversary of the founding of the Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Stanley Mission - Saskatchewan's oldest building. The Government of Saskatchewan will contribute $85,000 to support celebrations being organized by the Stanley Mission Reserve, which is part of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band. These activities include commemorative artwork, a history book and a community celebration which will be held June 10. Holy Trinity Anglican Church has been designated a Provincial Heritage Property, a Provincial Historic Site and a National Historic Site.

"I am pleased to be able to announce these two special anniversaries during Heritage Week in Saskatchewan," Duncan said. "Celebrating our shared history and culture is important, it sparks the interest of residents and visitors alike and contributes to our valued quality of life."

Building Pride is an annual $750,000 allocation that celebrates the unique history and culture of Saskatchewan communities. Visit www.tpcs.gov.sk.ca/buildingpride for more information on the Building Pride program. The next application deadline will be April 30, 2010.

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For more information, contact:

Art Jones
Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport
Regina
Phone: 306-787-3506
Email: art.jones@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-550-5927