Government of Canada Commemorates the Marr Residence National Historic Site
News Release
July 2, 2017 Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Parks Canada Agency
Canada’s national parks, historic sites and marine conservation areas enable Canadians to experience their rich and varied history in a special way and play a big part in the celebration of Canada 150. To celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017, the Government of Canada invites Canadians to experience nature and learn more about our history.
Today, Jim Miller, Saskatchewan Member of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada (HSMBC), on behalf of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Catherine McKenna, commemorated the Marr Residence National Historic Site with the unveiling of a HSMBC plaque. A special ceremony was held at the Marr Residence in Saskatoon.
The Government of Canada is committed to connecting Canadians to the significant people, places and events that contributed to our country’s rich diverse heritage. As one of the oldest buildings in Saskatoon still on its original site, the Marr Residence was built circa 1884 for Alexander and Margaret Marr on land acquired from the Temperance Colonization Society, an Anglo-Canadian utopian group that created an agricultural community with the assistance of Chief Whitecap and the Dakota from Moose Woods.
The house is the only surviving building that served as a military field hospital during the Northwest Rebellion of 1885, marking the first time in Canadian history that nurses were employed by military field forces. As a result, the Marr Residence is directly associated with the origins of Canadian military nursing.
As part of the centennial of national historic sites, Parks Canada invites Canadians to be inspired and captivated by the stories of the people, places and events that shaped the Canada of today. Take advantage of free admission to national historic sites in 2017, and discover truly Canadian places and stories with Parks Canada!
Quotes
“The Marr Residence is connected to many moments in our nation’s history, including its use as a field hospital during the Northwest Rebellion. I am pleased to commemorate it as a national historic site. And I encourage all Canadians to take this opportunity to learn more about the people, places and events that have shaped our rich culture and history – especially as we celebrate our 150th anniversary of Confederation.”
The Honourable Catherine McKenna,
Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada
“It is an honor for the Marr Residence to be designated as a national historic site, recognizing its link to the Temperance Colonization Society which drew settlers to the west in 1882, and is the only survivor of three houses that were part of a field hospital that was established during the Northwest Resistance of 1885.”
Della Greer,
Board Chair, Marr Residence
Quick Facts
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The Marr Residence reflects the history of the Temperance Colonization Society, which was formed in Ontario in 1882. Supported by the government of the day, this utopian society was part of a larger scheme to settle the West and reflected the government’s intention to recreate the best features of Anglo-Canadian civilization. This society became the first major European settlement in the area, with the assistance of Chief Whitecap (Wapaha S
a) and the Dakota from Moose Woods (Whitecap Dakota First Nation). -
Built with lumber floated downriver from Medicine Hat, the one-and-a-half storey wood-frame house with a distinctive mansard roof and dormer windows, was one of the largest in the village at the time of its construction.
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Created in 1919, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada advises the Minister ofEnvironment and Climate Change regarding the national historic significance of places, people and events that have marked Canada’s history.
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Contacts
Scott Whiting
External Relations Manager
Saskatchewan South Field Unit
Parks Canada
306-975-5814
scott.whiting@pc.gc.ca
Media Relations
Parks Canada Agency
855-862-1812
pc.media@pc.gc.ca