CENTENNIAL SONG SALUTES ABORIGINAL ACHIEVEMENTS

Released on June 21, 2005

A song that celebrates the contributions of Saskatchewan's Aboriginal community during our past 100 years and beyond has been released by Saskatchewan Centennial 2005.

"Come Celebrate" is a round dance recorded by the award-winning drum group Young Scouts, whose members include First Nations youth from across the province. Saskatchewan-born Métis singer, songwriter and actress Andrea Menard also sings on the recording.

"As Saskatchewan joins Canada in celebrating National Aboriginal Day we are pleased to release this very special song that recognizes not only our centennial, but the important contributions that the First Nations and Métis have been making long before we became a province," Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 Chair and Moose Jaw North MLA Glenn Hagel said. "I congratulate Young Scouts for recording a centennial song that will be meaningful for all who hear it and will serve as inspiration to future generations of Saskatchewan artists who will follow in their footsteps."

As part of its $1.6 million Aboriginal strategy, Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 provided $11,000 to assist in recording "Come Celebrate." Young Scouts, who were recipients of the 2003 Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards Best Drum Songs album, recorded the composition at Sweet Grass Records in Saskatoon. Established in 1993, Sweet Grass Records promotes, records and distributes stereo recordings of traditional and contemporary Aboriginal music throughout Canada, United States and Europe.

"We are a group of round dance singers and dancers who compose traditional music that pays respect to our Elders, lead singers and song makers who have paved the road for young people like us to perform," Young Scouts member Mark Longjohn said. "Our home is Saskatchewan and we are honoured to have this incredible opportunity to recognize both our people and this province during the centennial year."

"This song will help to bring together Saskatchewan's many cultures and provide opportunity for us to celebrate First Nations at centennial events across the province," Hagel said. "It is one more example of why the world could use a little more Saskatchewan."

"Come Celebrate" will be distributed to schools throughout the province. The song is available for downloading at www.sask2005.ca/aboriginal.

Additional information about the centennial is available on the Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 website at www.sask2005.ca.

-30-

For More Information, Contact:

Chris Shauf Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 Regina Phone: (306) 787-1254 Cell: (306) 530-5775