Released on June 19, 2009
Saskatchewan has proclaimed June 19, 2009, as United Empire Loyalists' Day in Saskatchewan.
The original United Empire Loyalists left their homes and fled to Canada in the aftermath of the American Revolution in the 18th century.
"Recognition and preservation of history is an important aspect of defining our culture," Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Dustin Duncan said. "The United Empire Loyalists had diverse cultural backgrounds and they contributed to Saskatchewan's rich multicultural society."
"We are proud of our Loyalist descendants, many of whom came west to help settle the Province of Saskatchewan," Prairie United Empire Loyalists' Association of Canada Regional Vice President Gerald Adair said. "The Regina Branch honoured their strength and courage with the placement of a cairn in 2005, located on the Legislative grounds."
The Constitutional Act of June 19, 1791 created Upper and Lower Canada. This Act was a direct result of Loyalist influence. The Regina Branch Charter of the Empire Loyalists celebrates their 25th anniversary this year.
For more information about the United Empire Loyalists' Association of Canada, please visit http://www.geocities.com/reginabranchue/.
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For more information, contact:
Janet Peters
Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4967
Gerald Adair
United Empire Loyalists' Association of Canada
Phone: 306-646-4952