Released on January 8, 2016
From photos on the cover of the National Post to video footage aired on TV in Canada, the United States and Switzerland, the 2016 Saskatchewanderer has an impressive resume. But Neil Fisher couldn’t be prouder to add “Saskatchewanderer” to his resume.“I’m beyond excited!” Fisher said. “I’ve already done a fair bit of exploring here in Saskatchewan, but I still see it as an exotic, far-off land with countless wonders waiting to be discovered. A great Canadian, Chris Hadfield, said ‘Exploration stretches our understanding’ and I can’t wait to give the world a better understanding of what this amazing province is all about.”
Fisher has travelled along Canada’s west coast, through the Prairies, up in the Arctic and all the way to Australia capturing his experiences via photographs and video to share with the world through his blog and social media.Fisher grew up in Coquitlam, BC and currently calls Saskatoon home. A coworker told Fisher that he would make a great Saskatchewanderer and that is what prompted him to apply. He realized that becoming the next Saskatchewanderer would allow him to make a living doing what he loves.
Before moving to Saskatchewan, Fisher worked as a marine mammal trainer at the Vancouver Aquarium and then as a videographer, telling the stories of the Vancouver Aquarium’s animals and the work of the aquarium and its people. Fisher’s photography has been featured on the covers of the National Post and The Vancouver Sun, he has had work published in National Geographic’s children’s magazine, NatGeo Explorer, and the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History used a photo of his in an exhibit focusing on bioluminescence. His video footage has been seen around the world and aired on major news networks, from CBC and Global in Canada, ABC and NBC in the United States, SF Television in Switzerland, and France5.
“The Saskatchewanderer program offers us an opportunity to showcase our diverse province to a large audience,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Mark Docherty said. “Neil has a unique background of work and travel, and he’s turning his passion into a career. We look forward to seeing his photography and videography talents highlight the many amazing people and places of Saskatchewan.”
“Neil has an exciting year ahead of him as the 2016 Saskatchewanderer,” Minister responsible for Tourism Saskatchewan Jeremy Harrison said. “He has an important role to play, promoting the province’s wealth of attractions and events, as well as the jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities in tourism.”
CAA Saskatchewan has been a proud sponsor of the Saskatchewanderer program since its inception in 2011. Throughout the year, Fisher will make stops at CAA Saskatchewan events and also at CAA Stores to meet members and visitors.
“As Saskatchewan’s automobile association of choice, we are pleased to be the exclusive sponsor of the 2016 Saskatchewanderer,” CAA Saskatchewan President and CEO Fred Titanich said. “We look forward to the continued partnership that showcases our province and our people via the Saskatchewanderer. By providing a sporty vehicle, a CAA Membership and gas vouchers, we know that Neil Fisher, the 2016 Saskatchewanderer will be safe and well-fuelled for his many road trips and adventures. As a CAA Member, Neil will certainly enjoy the many rewards of a CAA Membership.”
Planning for Neil’s 2016 expeditions is underway. If you have a story idea that you’d like to share with him, connect with him on Facebook (facebook.com/skwanderer), Twitter (@skwanderer), or Instagram (@saskatchewanderer).
To keep up with the latest blogs, follow him on YouTube (youtube.com/user/skwandererofficial), or visit the website (www.saskatchewanderer.ca).
Neil will be employed as the Saskatchewanderer until December 2016. The Saskatchewanderer program is supported by Tourism Saskatchewan, the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport, the Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Agriculture with the mandate to promote the many ways that Saskatchewan is an amazing place to live, work and play.
To view Fisher’s Saskatchewanderer 2016 application video, visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISifsFJsZY0.
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For more information, contact:
Jill Sveinson
Parks, Culture and Sport
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5781
Email: jill.sveinson@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-527-8152