On September 13, 2024, a historic ceremony took place at the Victoria District National Historic Site to unveil new plaques recognizing the Alberta section of the North Saskatchewan River as a Canadian Heritage River. This designation, granted in March 2024, celebrated the river’s vital role in shaping Canadian history and its enduring significance to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.
The North Saskatchewan River has served as a historical gathering place and transportation route for numerous Indigenous groups, including the Cree, Blackfoot, Métis, and others. Its waters have facilitated trade and exploration for centuries, serving as a lifeline for early settlers and Indigenous peoples. Today, the river remains a crucial resource, providing drinking water, supporting wildlife, and fostering tourism in the region.
A 49-kilometer segment of the river within Banff National Park was previously designated a Canadian Heritage River in 1989. However, the remaining 718 kilometers of the river in Alberta finally received its official designation in March 2024. The nomination for this segment was spearheaded by Smoky Lake County in 2019, recognizing its cultural and recreational importance. This designation signifies ongoing efforts to address water quality, land use, and intergovernmental cooperation to protect this valuable natural resource.
Hon. Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, emphasized the significance of this designation, stating that it allows people from across Canada and beyond to appreciate the historical and contemporary importance of the river. Hon. Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development, and Official Languages, lauded the river’s enduring role in Alberta’s development, highlighting its importance as a source of transportation and recreation for millennia.
Jered Serben, Reeve of Smoky Lake County, expressed pride in the county’s role in securing this recognition, emphasizing that the new plaques are a testament to the river’s environmental and cultural heritage. Scott Millar, Executive Director of the North Saskatchewan Watershed Alliance, highlighted the designation as a key moment in ongoing efforts towards stewardship and reconciliation, underscoring the river’s cultural and ecological importance.
Andrea Sandmaier, President of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government, emphasized the river’s historical role as a trade route for Métis fur traders. She noted its enduring significance as a symbol of Métis history and identity, with Metis Crossing serving as a center for celebrating this connection. Hon. Rebecca Schulz, Alberta’s Minister of Environment and Protected Areas, acknowledged the many Indigenous and municipal communities that rely on the river, highlighting its critical role in providing water, supporting ecosystems, and offering tourism and recreational opportunities.
The designation of the North Saskatchewan River as a Canadian Heritage River is a testament to its rich history, cultural significance, and ongoing role in shaping the present. It underscores the importance of collaborative efforts to protect and preserve this valuable natural resource for future generations.
