STANLEY MISSION TO CELEBRATE 150 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF ITS HISTORIC CHURCH

Released on May 31, 2010

The community of Stanley Mission, also known by its Cree Name "Amachewespimawin", along with its leaders, Elders and residents is inviting everyone to attend a celebration commemorating the 150th anniversary of the completion of the Holy Trinity Anglican Church on June 10.

"We are dedicating this celebration to our Elders of the past and the Elders that are here with us today," Lac La Ronge Indian Band Councillor Brian Hardlotte said.

There is a full day of events planned for the June 10 celebration which also acts as a kick off for a year-long celebration.

The Holy Trinity Church is a Provincial and National Historic Site. It is the oldest building in Saskatchewan. The church is located on the north shore of the Churchill River across from the Northern Settlement of Stanley Mission and is only accessible by boat.

The Holy Trinity Church became part of the Lac La Ronge Provincial Park in 1981. Since then, the Ministry of Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport has worked with the federal government and the community to restore the church and is also supporting the June 10 celebration.

"The ministry is pleased to support this celebration of the community's unique history and culture," Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Dustin Duncan said. "The Holy Trinity Anglican Church Provincial and National Historic Site and Stanley Mission help tell the story of the people who lived here before the fur traders arrived, the change the fur trade brought and the changes that have occurred since then. This story is an important part of the history of Saskatchewan and Canada."

"The Holy Trinity Church is an enduring symbol of Saskatchewan's north," First Nations and Métis Relations Minister Bill Hutchinson said. "For 150 years, it has stood for perseverance, faith and above all, community. Congratulations to all on this momentous occasion."

The Lac La Ronge Indian Band Councillors from the community of Stanley Mission, with an established Church Celebration Committee, welcome all visitors to the 150th Year anniversary celebrations.

"We are encouraging people from all over Canada and Saskatchewan to come and celebrate with us and witness the gem of Northern Saskatchewan, our Church," Lac La Ronge Indian Band Councillor Morris McKenzie said.

The event will take place at the Church site where the original community stood. This location was also a historical gathering place for First Nations people prior to the arrival of the Church.

"We have surpassed adversity that came with change and the church is a testament of our resilience," Lac La Ronge Indian Band Councillor John P. Roberts said.

Construction of the Holy Trinity Church started in 1854 and was competed in 1860. It was built by local people under the direction of the Reverend Robert Hunt. Several of Reverend Hunt's descendants, including one from Dublin, Ireland are expected to attend the commemoration ceremony. They will also give a presentation focusing on Reverend Hunt's stay at Stanley Mission and his life after leaving the area.

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For more information, contact:

Gordon Hardlotte
Church Celebrations Committee
Stanley Mission
Phone: 306-635-2115

Jennifer Johnson
Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0619
Email: jennifer.johnson@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-529-5805

Shelley Fayant
First Nations and Métis Relations
Regina
Phone: 306-798-4071
Email: shelley.fayant@gov.sk.ca