Released on February 1, 2010
February 1-7, 2010 Proclaimed Archives Week in Saskatchewan
Discover your history this week by exploring Saskatchewan's past through photographs, documents and other archival treasures preserved and protected in one of the many archives found around our province.
"Our rich heritage and the history of our communities, institutions and shared experiences should be explored and enjoyed," Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Dustin Duncan said. "Moving forward as a province includes learning from and honouring our past. Taking part in Archives Week activities is a great way to discover that history."
Archives Week is organized by the Saskatchewan Council for Archives and Archivists (SCAA). The SCAA helps foster a cooperative and successful archival network in Saskatchewan, encouraging the establishment of new archives in the province, providing education and advice about archival practice and promoting public understanding and use of the province's archival and historical resources.
"Archives Week provides an excellent opportunity to celebrate the voices from our past and to identify the importance of preserving current memory through all forms of documentary media," Provincial Archivist Linda McIntyre said. "Saskatchewan's communities hold a vivid and diverse history."
Archives across the province are holding events and displaying their collections to introduce the public to these treasures. Northern Saskatchewan Archives is holding an Open House in Air Ronge in conjunction with Pahkisimon Nuye?áh Library System's 20th Anniversary Celebrations. On display will be copies of more than 100 historic photographs of the North. Two archives, in Humboldt and Rosetown, are using Archives Week as an opportunity to display copies of historical photos and documents from their collections and to ask for the publics help identify people and events in photographs within their holdings.
Lloydminster will host Tribute to the King, a concert by Rory Allen. There will be public readings and film nights in Regina and Saskatoon; photo exhibits in North Battleford and Swift Current; and open houses, workshops and more in other locations.
"Archives and archivists play an essential role in protecting and promoting our province's rich documentary history," Duncan said. "Their work helps to increase awareness and understanding of our past and builds pride in Saskatchewan."
There are more than sixty archives in Saskatchewan ranging from volunteer-run community archives to the provincial archives. Sponsoring bodies include religious organizations, educational bodies, healthcare institutions, municipalities, heritage interest groups, museums and theatre groups.
Together, these institutions act as custodians and preserve the extraordinary resources documenting virtually every facet of Saskatchewan's people, landscape and history. Archives Week highlights how archival records are vital in preserving our public memory and sense of identity.
The SCAA receives funding from the Saskatchewan Lotteries Trust Fund for Sport, Culture and Recreation through SaskCulture Inc.
For more information about Saskatchewan archives and for a list of events visit www.scaa.sk.ca/.
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For more information, contact:
Sean St. George
Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport
Regina
Phone: 306-787-9087
Cell: 306-526-8635
Audrey Price
SCAA
Regina
Phone: 306-780-9414
Email: scaa@sasktel.ne