Fort Carlton, Saskatchewan, September 5, 2010--On behalf of the Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Mr. Brad Trost, Member of Parliament for Saskatoon-Humboldt, today unveiled a Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada plaque commemorating the national historic significance of Carlton House.
“Many defining moments in our nation’s history occurred in our own backyard,” said Mr. Trost. “Carlton House is a place of special meaning not only to the Métis and First Nations, but to all Canadians.”
Carlton House, later known as Fort Carlton, was deemed to be of national significance on the basis of its history as a major Hudson’s Bay Company post. It was strategically situated at the edge of the buffalo-rich Plains on major transportation and communication routes. First established in 1795 below the forks of the North and South Saskatchewan rivers, it moved to its present location in 1810 where it remained in continuous use until 1885 when it was destroyed during the North-West Rebellion. Fort Carlton was also, for a time, an important fur trade and supply centre and a North-West Mounted Police post. In addition, Treaty No. 6 was signed here in 1876.
“During its existence, Carlton House witnessed the political, economic and cultural changes that swept Western Canada and had an impact on the development of our nation,” said Minister Prentice. “As Canadians we have a rich and diverse heritage, and the Government of Canada is pleased to be part of today’s event that honours that legacy.”
Fort Carlton Provincial Park is owned and operated by the Province of Saskatchewan.
“We are pleased with the plaque identifying Fort Carlton as a site of national historic significance,” Saskatchewan’s Minister of Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport Bill Hutchinson said. “This year is the 200th anniversary of Fort Carlton. Our historic sites are important as they connect us to our past. Understanding the events that led to the formation of our province and Canada will help us move forward and create a stronger Saskatchewan.”
A commemorative plaque with inscriptions in Cree, English and French will be on permanent display near the Visitor Reception Centre.
For additional information, please see the accompanying backgrounder at www.parkscanada.gc.ca under Media Room.
Information:
Audra Norek
A/Cultural Resource Management Advisor
Saskatchewan South Field Unit
Parks Canada
306-745-6234
Backgrounder associated with this News Release.
Carlton House
