Released on May 25, 2005
With over 2,500 events scheduled throughout 2005, Saskatchewan's pride will reach new highs and through a partnership between Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 and the Indian Communication Arts (INCA) department at the First Nations University of Canada, Centennial Scene will be there."Our young people, including our First Nations and Métis youth, will lead the province into its second century and this project provides us with a unique opportunity to explore their ideas for what Saskatchewan will become," Culture, Youth and Recreation Minister Joan Beatty said.
Throughout the summer months, 15 Aboriginal students who are studying communications and multi-media at INCA will drop into centennial events, armed with video cameras and microphones. They will interview people about their thoughts of growing up in Saskatchewan, their inspirations and mentors, and their future goals. The interviews will be used to create centennial vignettes that will be available for online viewing at www.sask2005.ca. Saskatchewan Centennial Network (SCN) will also broadcast segments produced by the Centennial Scene team.
Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 is providing $100,000 to the First Nations University of Canada to assist with production costs.
One of the events that the students will record is the Saskatchewan Centennial Canoe Quest. In June, teams of paddlers will race 1,081 kilometres from Lac La Loche to Cumberland House. They will follow the traditional Churchill River trade route that was used before Saskatchewan became a province. Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 is providing $110,000 to the event.
"Saskatchewan Centennial Canoe Quest will showcase the traditions and rich cultural diversity of our northern communities during our centennial year," Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 Chair and Moose Jaw North MLA Glenn Hagel said. "This premier northern event is one of many that recognizes how far we have come as a province, and is one of the many events that the Centennial Scene will attend this summer to help promote provincial pride."
"We are proud to be working with Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 to create a lasting legacy of our centennial year while providing a fabulous opportunity to students to gain professional experience," INCA Department Head Shannon Avison said.
Additional information, including the tour schedule, is available on Saskatchewan Centennial 2005's website at www.sask2005.ca.
-30-
For More Information, Contact:
| Chris Shauf Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 Regina Phone: (306)787-1254 Cell: (306)530-5775 |