Released on December 1, 2005
One hundred pieces of artwork promoting a peaceful and caring society in schools, communities and abroad have been selected to create a permanent legacy of peace, a gift from Saskatchewan students as the province enters its second century."During the province's centennial year, young people have been participating in a number of activities that strengthen and commemorate the ideals of peace," Minister responsible for SaskEnergy Harry Van Mulligen said. "Their artwork is a lasting reminder to residents and visitors about the type of society that our youth want to grow up in and lead into the future."
Close to 2,000 original works of art were submitted to the Designs on Peace contest, which was part of the Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 Peace Project. The project is a partnership involving the Centennial office, SaskEnergy and the Canadian Red Cross in Saskatchewan. From the artwork received, a panel of judges selected 100 prints for permanent display. Each original design has been transferred to an 8" by 8" square piece, which also includes the student's name, grade and home community. The pieces may be displayed separately or arranged in a group.
"The theme for Saskatchewan's centennial, 100 years of heart, reflects who we are as a province and who we are as people," Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 Chair and Moose Jaw North MLA Glenn Hagel said. "Our students are to be commended for their commitment to promote a culture of mutual respect, compassion and understanding during our centennial year and beyond."
"Throughout 2005, we worked with our partners to show young people that peace begins at home," Regional Director for the Canadian Red Cross in Southern Saskatchewan Cindy Fuchs said. "We thank teachers for embracing this project and working with their students to help them understand the role that they play in shaping the future for themselves and for our province."
In addition to the "Designs on Peace" contest, students were invited to plant a peace pole in their school-yard or community. The peace pole is the international symbol of peace. More than 100 peace poles will be planted throughout Saskatchewan in the centennial year.
About 2,500 students also attended "Hear the Children" peace day events in Saskatoon, Moose Jaw and Regina on September 21st, 2005, which was proclaimed Peace Day in Saskatchewan.
Additional information on Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 is available online at www.sask2005.ca.
-30-
For More Information, Contact:
| Chris Shauf Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 Regina Phone: (306) 787-1254 Cell: (306) 530-5775 | Leslie Gosselin SaskEnergy Regina Phone: (306) 777-9822 |