The North Saskatchewan River once played a major role in the lives of prehistoric native peoples and in the movement of people and goods across the Canadian West for many centuries into the West's early settlement days.

The North Saskatchewan river is one of Canada's outstanding heritage rivers and must be preserved and respected by human's as long as it flows. The wild and scenic headwaters of the North Saskatchewan River are protected from pollution and other man-induced disturbances. (All for the benefit of users downstream).

Much of the river valley is thought to have been occupied by indigenous peoples for at least 10,000 years. The Stoney Indians, the first natives peoples encountered in the area by European explorers and fur traders during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, used the head waters of the North Saskatchewan river as an important seasonal hunting area and often traveled and inter-traded using the North Saskatchewan-Howse River corridor through the mountains and into the prairies.

Rising in the Canada's Rocky Mountains and emptying into Lake Winnipeg, this extensive river corridor provides a major east-west link across Canada, and serves as a major contributor to Canada's Hudson Bay drainage area via Lake Winnipeg and the Nelson River. The North Saskatchewan originates 1,800 meters above sea level in the slowly depleting Columbia Ice Fields.

From there, the river brings large quantities of water across the prairies - from the Continental divide to Lake Winnipeg.  Water which is essential for prairie agriculture, municipal water supplies and an array of other non commercial uses.

The North Saskatchewan River offers many opportunities for sight seeing, canoeing, fishing, camping, and hiking.  All providing a link with our national historic sites and beautiful displays (Islands, driftwood, rock formations) offered by the river itself.

With today's lower water levels, it is possible to spend the summer exploring by canoe or flat bottom river boat.  Traveling from one end to the other while enjoying some of the Western provinces most beautiful scenery, just like travelers of old did.

I recommend a well planned field trip for schools, scouts, 4H clubs, and adults alike.

To protect it's waters, shores, and magnificence, we must introduce a clean water protection bill.  We must clean up the contamination caused by mankind.  We must endeavor to preserve and enhance the water quality of this great river. Our River!

 

-----

Ron Cox

#11 Eastwood Trailer Park

Lloydminser, Sask

S9V 0L4

306-825-7006

Green Party of Saskatchewan member