Released on June 7, 2008
The Saskatchewan West Central Tourism Association Inc. (SWCT) will capitalize on the tourism opportunities associated with the 125th anniversary of the 1885 Northwest Resistance/Rebellion by implementing a three-year action plan to guide tourism development and marketing initiatives.
The announcement was made today in Duck Lake by the Honourable Christine Tell, Minister of Saskatchewan Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport, Maurice Vellacott, Member of Parliament for Saskatoon-Wanuskewin on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification, and Ian McGilp, Industry Development Manager for Tourism Saskatchewan. Each party is contributing $75,000 over the next three years toward the comprehensive marketing plan.
"The 125th commemoration, in 2010, of the 1885 Northwest Resistance is an excellent opportunity to tell the story of the prairie Métis and First Nations peoples' struggle with Government forces and how it has shaped Canada today," Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Christine Tell said. "The Ministry of Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport is excited to contribute to the preservation and telling of such a central story in the history of Western Canada and indeed, our nation."
The Northwest Resistance/Rebellion crosses the modern boundaries of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. The Aboriginal and Métis peoples of this area have left a mark on Canadian history and culture.
"The Government of Canada is proud to partner with Métis and First Nations communities to invest in tourism projects that will celebrate this historic milestone," said MP Vellacott. "Our government's investment in this action plan will help increase tourism activity around the Saskatchewan historic sites, which in turn will result in economic benefits for these communities."
Between now and 2010, the SWCT will hire a fulltime project manager to implement the action plan. Activities will include the identification of existing 1885 related tourism markets and new markets; an inventory of 1885 sites, experiences and stories and expand to include those sites and experiences from 1870; preparing celebratory activities to occur in 2010; and producing a 2010 anniversary travel guide interpreting the events of 1870 and 1885 for all three provinces.
"Tourism Saskatchewan is extremely pleased to invest in this important initiative," said Dr. Lynda Haverstock, President/CEO. "The events of 1885 played a defining role in Canadian history and subsequently have had an impact on all our lives. As beneficiaries of the legacies established by First Nations, Métis, and settlers who chose Saskatchewan as their new home, it is our responsibility to learn about and celebrate our rich past, and to share its fascinating stories and colourful traditions with visitors to our province."
"The 125th Anniversary of the events of 1885 in 2010 provides an excellent opportunity to tell the story of Louis Riel, and to also tell the stories of First Nation leaders from Alberta and Saskatchewan, and the roles they played on either side of the conflict," said Mark England, SWCT Marketing Manager. "This project will identify and quantify existing 1885 related tourism markets and lay the cornerstone for the development of new markets."
As Canada matures as a country, there are increasing opportunities to celebrate the historical events and cultural influences that have helped shape our great nation. The Government of Canada and the Province of Saskatchewan are proud to recognize and celebrate the approaching 125th Anniversary of the 1885 Northwest Resistance/Rebellion.
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For additional information, contact:
Joanne Mysak
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Saskatoon
Tel: 306-975-5942
Janet Peters
Director, Communications Branch
Saskatchewan Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport
Regina, Saskatchewan
Tel: 306-787-4967
Tracy Breher
Director, Industry Relations
Tourism Saskatchewan
Regina, SK
Tel: 306-787-5488
www.sasktourism.com
Mark England
Marketing Manager
Saskatchewan West Central Tourism Association Inc.
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Tel: 306-374-2030