News

A few years ago I was on a quest to examine my city's history - one neighbourhood at a time. I was fortunate to be working at a museum at the time - it was only right that we should exhibit communities and their place in Saskatchewan’s history. This was partly inspired by the Janes Walks that had graced Regina in recent years. We observed their popularity and were pleased that citizens pursued that curiosity of their communities. As luck would have it, at the same time, a sparkling individual visited the museum. Conversation was cordial, based on her interest in the exhibits and the questions she posed. Always eager to cultivate new museum friends, the chat turned to hopes and dreams. The neighbourhood series of exhibits was the clear choice. Thus began a new friendship and collaboration. Ms. H. had been on a Janes Walk in a particular area, once called Germantown. Hearing that story shaped her understanding of the city, and she wanted to share what she'd learned. Germantown, followed by North Central then the Warehouse District were researched and put on display. This helped us all to understand the present-day city and neighbourhood connections. While researching the population growth of urban Aboriginals we stepped back to include the Regina Indian Industrial School (1891-1910), located west of Regina. It wasn’t a voluntary population surge, but the stories needed to be heard. Our colleague, the late Keith Knox, Regina historian and past-president of Heritage Canada, clued us in to the cemetery on the former site of the industrial school. I immediately froze, thinking of the century of neglect. Keith located it for us on a map. He was unsure who currently owned the land, or of future plans. Certainly it wouldn't be developed! Haunted by the thought, I wondered who could "do something about it." Imagine my relief to hear that the cemetery was brought to the attention of the Regina Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee (MHAC) in the spring of 1912. Much work and negotiation went on behind the scenes to secure protected status. The dance steps are hinted at in this March 8, 2013 Leader-Post article, "Abandoned Cemetery to be Protected" Kudos to Stantec Consulting who did the preliminary survey pro bono. The Cities of Saskatoon and Regina both have MHACs. These groups are members of Heritage Saskatchewan. The Committees advise city council on any matter arising out of The Heritage Property Act and on Civic Heritage Policy. What a great service to one's city - to stop and reflect and advise. And preserve. The Regina Indian Industrial School cemetery is the final resting place of Alex Thunder (d.1897) and many other children. Our city and province’s history is not complete without their stories. Thanks to those who help it be told. Karen Handling