Info about Saskatchewan

History

At its most basic, the history of Saskatchewan is the collective story of human groups adapting to harsh weather and an expansive landscape in order to survive and prosper. It is this history which has forged a distinctive identity among those who call this place home, and the same fundamental reality will likely continue to shape the collective destiny of the province's residents long into the future.

Geographic isolation, a sparse population, and tremendous climatic extremes were the chief determinants of the province's history, as each human group which entered the area was forced to come to terms with the environment in order to survive and prosper. From the vantage of the early 21st century it seems evident that the people who call this place home have met that challenge. In the process of adjusting to the land, they created a distinctive North American community whose enigmatic political culture came to exercise a significant influence beyond its own borders. Their efforts also produced great material wealth, dynamic cities and towns, and noteworthy intellectual, cultural, artistic and athletic accomplishments.

Renowned for its prairie sunsets in the summer, Saskatchewan also scores top marks as Canada's sunniest province, averaging between 2,000 to 2,500 hours of sunshine annually. The clear skies have undoubtedly helped Saskatchewan become the country's breadbasket, producing most of the wheat grown in Canada.

Since it joined Confederation in 1905, Saskatchewan has kept pace with societal change and has lived up to the spirit of its name, derived from the Cree word, kisiskatchewan, which means swiftly flowing river. Appropriately, Saskatchewan also happens to be the name of the province's major river system - though like its neighbour to the west, Alberta, the province has no coast on salt water.

Over the past century, Saskatchewan society has evolved from its predominantly rural roots to a mainly urban landscape. More than one in three of the province's residents live in two cities: Saskatoon and the capital, Regina.

Saskatchewan is a province noted for its pioneers who broke the land and established the country's first comprehensive public-health insurance system. It continues to have a spirit of independence. For example, Saskatchewan is the only province that does not advance its clocks by one hour to mark "daylight saving" time (as do the other provinces, from April to October).

Aboriginal Peoples The Aboriginal peoples of Saskatchewan have inhabited this region for approximately 11,000 years, during which time they established self-sustaining societies.

Agriculture and Food Saskatchewan, with its abundant land base and small population, is a large surplus producer of raw and processed food products.

Arts & Culture Saskatchewan is home to world-renowned performers, writers and artists who use our province's diverse landscape and friendly people as their inspiration

Economic History Find out about the industries and events that have built our province's economy

Health Care Always at the forefront of programs and public policy in the area of health care, our province is known as the birthplace of medicare, and a province that cares for its residents

Sports & Recreation From recreational leagues to professional teams, Saskatchewan residents enjoy a competitive - but friendly - spirit in their leisure activities.

Resources

About Saskatchewan

Overview

Economy

Quality of Life

History

Fun Zone

About Government

Encyclopedia of Saskatchewan