Government Declares Heritage Week in Saskatchewan

Released on February 13, 2015

In recognition of Saskatchewan’s vibrant historical past, the provincial government has proclaimed February 15-21 as Heritage Week across the province.

“Our government is proud to recognize this week as Heritage Week in Saskatchewan,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Mark Docherty said.  “As our province continues to grow, with more and more people moving here to work or start a family, it is important that we take the time to understand our past.  Saskatchewan has a fascinating history filled with people, places and events that have shaped our province into the remarkable place it is today.  Heritage Week is the perfect time to recognize this history by visiting one of Saskatchewan’s many historical attractions or attending events such as Government House’s first ever Pop-up Museum.”

Heritage Week was formally requested by the Saskatchewan Heritage Foundation and Heritage Saskatchewan.  The week aligns with Canada’s nationally-proclaimed Heritage Day, which takes place on the third Monday of February.

“Heritage Saskatchewan is pleased to partner with the Saskatchewan Heritage Foundation and other agencies in celebrating Heritage Week,” Heritage Saskatchewan CEO Ingrid Cazakoff said.  “This is a great opportunity to celebrate our living heritage and to recognize the importance of heritage to our quality of life in Saskatchewan.  It is also a time to acknowledge the people and organizations throughout our province who are dedicated to raising awareness for our diverse heritage and for the public to join in the numerous events occurring during the week.”

“Our heritage defines us as a province, as communities, and as individuals,” Saskatchewan Heritage Foundation Chair Royce Pettyjohn said.  “The Saskatchewan Heritage Foundation is committed to our province's heritage through programs that aid in the conservation of heritage properties at the community level.  Heritage Week in Saskatchewan is an opportunity for us all to celebrate our heritage, and reflect on what we can do to ensure that our heritage properties are conserved for the benefit of the next generation of Saskatchewan residents.”

Over the past year, the Saskatchewan Heritage Foundation has invested more than $260,000 in 27 heritage sites across the province.  Projects include the exterior restoration of Swift Current’s Lyric Theatre, restoration of the screen at the Twilight Drive-in in Wolseley and restoration of the original cedar roof and steeple of the Bissell Memorial United Church, now located at the Spiritwood Museum.

The Saskatchewan Heritage Foundation has four unique grant programs designed to conserve, protect and restore our province's heritage assets, both public and private.

Visit www.pcs.gov.sk.ca/shf-programs to learn more.

Those who wish to learn more about the Saskatchewan Heritage Foundation may attend their Public Event at 7 p.m. on Thursday, February 19 at Government House.  For information about Heritage Week events happening across the province, please visit http:/heritagesask.ca/blog/events.  For information about Government House’s Pop-up Museum, visit www.facebook.com/governmenthouse.

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For more information, contact:

Amanda Clark
Parks, Culture and Sport
Regina
Phone: 306-787-6880
Email: amanda.clark@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-550-5927