It’s the week up to Canada Day where we all have ideas and plans as to how we want to celebrate our homeland. There’s a lot going on in town this weekend as you will read in this week’s Moose Jaw Express or online at MooseJawToday.com. Be sure to take in some of the activities and if at all possible, ‘tout’ the red and white…(but hopefully not a red hot-stinging burn).
I also thought that it might be nice to share some interesting information on our province found here.
I know for a fact that most of us ‘stubble-jumpers’ have a great love and appreciation for Saskatchewan so here’s dishing on our province that we all know and love!
- “Various indigenous groups inhabited the land we know as Saskatchewan. The Europeans came here in 1690 and settled in the year 1774. The area was a part of the territory given to the Hudson’s Bay Company. Regionally, it was a part of the North-West Territories, until it became a Canadian province in 1905.
- “As of 2021, there are about 70 First Nations in Saskatchewan, and Cree is the second largest spoken language in the province.
- “Saskatchewan is the 7th largest province by land mass.
- “Official Icons are:
o Bird: Sharp-tailed grouse (chosen as the provincial bird emblem in 1945).
o Animal: White-tailed deer (designated in 2001).
o Flower: Western Red Lily (chosen in 1941).
o Tree: White birch (adopted as the official tree of Saskatchewan in 1988).
- “Saskatchewan’s official flag was adopted in 1969. The upper half color is green, which represents the province’s forests; the lower half (gold color) signifies grain areas in the south. The flag also features the provincial shield of arms along with the western red lily, which is the official flower.
- “The emblem of Saskatchewan is Multis E Gentibus Vires, “From Many Peoples Strength”. The provincial Coat of Arms was granted through Royal Warrant from Queen Elizabeth II in 1986.
- “The name of the province is derived from the Cree name for the Saskatchewan River, which is “Kisiskatchewanisipi” meaning “swift-flowing river.” The modern spelling was adopted in 1882.
- “Regina is the capital city of Saskatchewan. Did you know that’ the city was renamed Regina, which means “queen” in Latin, and it was named after Queen Victoria? Regina became a city in 1903.
- “There are 16 cities in Saskatchewan and tons of towns are sprinkled across the province.
- “Saskatchewan is the only province in Canada, with artificial boundaries, and is also completely landlocked. It is bordered by the US to the south, the Northwest Territories to the north, and Manitoba and Alberta to the east and west respectively.
- “Saskatchewan grows over 54 percent of Canada’s wheat crop.
- “Curling is the official sport of Saskatchewan (named in 2001) but we equally LOVE football – the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
- “Prairies are flatlands, but Saskatchewan’s highest point is 1,392 m (4,567 ft) high in the Cypress Hills.
- “Saskatchewan follows the Central Time zone, and it keeps the same time all year round.
- “Saskatchewan is home to many purple sand beaches, they are quite a unique phenomenon. Find them at the Hunter Bay, and Prince Albert National Park in northern Saskatchewan.
- “Saskatoon Berry Pie is the most popular food in Saskatchewan.
- “Saskatchewan is the sunniest province in Canada.”
And coming from me, our most significant asset and greatest resource are the people who live here in this province! Happy Canada Day!
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.
