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Saskatchewan

Saskatoon Regina?

INTRODUCTION

Saskatchewan, a prairie province in central Canada, is the seventh largest by land, and the sixth largest by population, placing Saskatchewan squarely in the middle of Canada in every way. The majority of the population lives in the south, with almost half living in the two largest cities of Saskatoon and Regina, the provincial capital.

HISTORY

Archeological evidence dates the earliest habitation of the prairie province to around 4,000 BC. Several First Nations tribes hunted in the region prior to European arrival in the 17th century.

The rich agricultural potential of the land attracted many European settlers crossing the country to the coastal region. Several outposts were built to establish trade with First Nations residents.

The formation of the Hudson’s Bay Company in the late 1600s led to increased commercial trade, making use of Saskatchewan’s extensive waterways. Over the next century, the territory had grown to the extent that the HBC established an outpost in Cumberland House, along the Saskatchewan River in Northern Saskatchewan, in 1774. The post became integral to trade in the region.

The increase in European settlers in the neighboring lands led many First Nation’s residents to migrate west. The increase in population helped secure the future of the province, but would come at a cost.

The boundaries of what was then the North West Territories was shifting as the country grew. The arrival of the Trans Continental Railway in the mid to late 19th century broadened the reach of the territory’s commercial trade, stretching further to the east and west. The increased trade led to an increase in migration, and the tension that led to First Nation’s migration grew.

In 1870, the North West Territories was once again divided. Several districts were created from it, of which Saskatchewan was one. The division brought more European settlers to the region, which fueled racial tensions. In 1873, tensions led to what is now known as the Cypress Hills Massacre, in which American and Canadian hunters and traders fought with the Nakoda First Nations tribe, resulting in several Nakoda deaths. The massacre led Prime Minister Sir John A Macdonald to create a national police force, then called the North West Mounted Police (called the Royal Canadian Mounted Police since 1920).

The formation of the North West Mounted Police increased the safety of residents, but was of little help against the rising racial issues. By the late 1800s, growing resentment led to the North-West Rebellion of the 1880s, in which the Métis, led by Louis Riel, rose against the oppression of their people at the hands of the fledgling Canadian government.

Riel formed a provisional government, hoping to influence the Canadian leaders, but was unable to raise the support of non Métis residents. After several losses, Riel was captured in 1885, and tried for treason in Regina. Found guilty, Riel was hanged on September 18, 1885.

In 1882, the city of Regina was founded. One year later the city of Saskatoon was founded, on a settlement established the previous year.

In 1884, Regina began a long standing annual tradition with the summer agricultural exhibition.

The end of the 19th century saw an increase in agriculture. The territory also officially became a province. The early years of the 20th century were prosperous, seeing much growth in population and infrastructure. The province grew so much that it attracted international attention. During the United State’s prohibition years, several bootleggers made use of the province, including now legendary mobster Al Capone, who ran whiskey along the Soo Line from Moose Jaw (dubbed Little Chicago) to his home in Chicago Illinois.

Prosperity took a bad turn during the Great Depression, a situation made worse by a sever drought which claimed much of the provincial crop yield. Hard times led to several riots, notably in Estevan and Regina, and the population dropped considerably.

The hard times would last until the years following the Second World War. The industrial innovations began to change the way agriculture was managed in the province, and the population began to grow once more.

Saskatchewan began to shift its focus to modern urbanization. The capital grew but its sister city, Saskatoon, grew even more. Interest in the arts began to blossom, and southern Saskatchewan became known for its cultural development.

An innovative entertainment venue, the Saskatchewan Centre of the Arts, was developed in the capital, boasting an adjustable roof that provided the best acoustics in the country. The center is now home to the Regina Symphony Orchestra, and welcomes a variety of events from rock concerts to graduation ceremonies.

Recent years have seen many residents leave the province for more modern urban centers such as Calgary, Alberta and Vancouver, British Columbia. However, rising costs in the more affluent provinces has led to a return to Prairie life. Saskatchewan in the new millennium enjoys continued growth, and renewed interest in contemporary industry, including cutting edge research and technological development.

Whether you’re looking for a country escape or a city experience Saskatchewan can accommodate your needs.

For outdoor adventure canoe the Churchill River. Saskatchewan has over 50 canoe routes to explore. There are various routes to choose from, there are leisure trips that are less challenging and readily accessible in some of the national and provincial parks.For those serious about canoeing there are routes on interconnecting lakes and rivers through vast wilderness. There is fishing at world class lodges or rustic cabins. Water activities are almost endless in the province with over 100,000 lakes, there is sailing, boat tours, water skiing and swimming. Other outdoor activities include horseback riding. Many of the trails there allow the tourist to pick there own path, some even allow tourist to get a genuine taste of the cowboy lifestyle.

Saskatchewan is not all outdoor fun. For those who enjoy shopping be prepared to peruse major chains and marvel at the local merchandise. There are handmade works from pottery to stained glass. If you’re feeling lucky check out the casinos in Regina, Moose Jaw, Saskatoon, Yorkton, White Bear First Nation, Prince Albert and North Battleford. The Barn Playhouse and Station Arts Centre are among the top venues for performing arts in Saskatchewan, for tourists who enjoy theatre, dance and music