Introduction:
Saskatchewan is an aboriginal culture of Canadian Prairies. As most of the large societies have multiple cultures and represent multiple groups of peoples having different values and beliefs, the Saskatchewan is also a subculture of Western culture. Saskatchewan culture has been influenced by various cultures like French, Scottish, British, Irish and Aboriginal. At Later stage influences of American culture also got noticed. The formation of Saskatchewan culture started when people from America, Austria and Britain migrated to West Canada. During initial few decades various colonies belonging to people from different culture have been formed the process also called as ethnic settlement. The ethnic settlement was majorly focused on agriculture development, church formation, school construction and religious development. Northern part of Saskatchewan was developed as economic hub with having fur industry and various trading posts. Southern part of Saskatchewan was suitable for cattle and having good grazing land. Various cattle enterprises have been established in southern part. During initial years people were dependent on agriculture, forestry and fishery for their livelihood. Later on various reforms took place, industries were established in the region and development of urban area started. Agriculture industry in south and fishing, forestry, mining industry in north has been established. The culture is famous for its historical architecture and various heritage sites. People can see a wide range of architectures like churches, railway stations, post offices and hotels. Aboriginal rock paintings of culture are also very renowned. Rock paintings of Churchill River, trading posts, Petroglyphs and Stanley mission etc. have been seen.
Symbols are important part of the culture that communicates cultural values, beliefs, traditions. Symbols reflect natural beauty and surroundings in which community lives. The Saskatchewan culture has established various symbols. There was a process for establishing and adopting any symbol. Whenever a new symbol proposed authorized persons and officials evaluate and ensure that the symbol is acceptable to majority of the population. They take approval from population by voting or by organizing a contest. The main official symbols of the culture are; coat of arms, shield of arms, flag, wheat sheaf, tartans, Fransaskois flag, sport – curling, the great seal and natural symbols. Natural symbols of the culture are flower – western red lily, bird – sharp tailed grouse, tree – white birch, animal – white tailed deer, grass – needle and thread grass, mineral – sylvite, fruit – berry, Fish - walleye.
Saskatchewan Coat of Arms
History of the Coat of Arms:
Saskatchewan Government declared year 1985 a heritage year of Saskatchewan. On the occasion some additions has been made to Saskatchewan shield of arms. The shield was given a crown, supporters and a slogan in addition to existing design. The proposed design of coat of arms was evaluated and approved by college of Arms, situated in London and England. In the year 1986 on 16th September Ms. Jeanne Sauvé, Gov. General of Canada at a ceremony in Regina initiates the formality by signing a Royal Warrant. The queen has approved coat of arm and added a new Armorial achievement in the history of Saskatchewan. After that Mr. F. W. Johnson Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan signed and released a declaration authorizing use of coat of arms in Saskatchewan. The symbol is legally protected and can be used only by Lieutenant Governor, government officials, cabinet ministers, speaker etc. the symbol can also be used for government documents like reports, proclamations, formal invitations and certificates.
Meaning of the Coat of Arms:
The coat of arms carries various meaning in one symbol. The symbol has been made by adding few other symbols. Each part of the coat of arm sends a message. Various parts and meaning attached to it are as follow;
Crest – above the shield and below the crown there is one helm structure facing left, representing royal status of Saskatchewan. The structure is decorated in national colours of country red and white. Above the helm we can see a beaver, national animal of Canada. The animal is representing fur industry and aboriginal population. One can see a red lily, flower of Saskatchewan in the hand of beaver. On top of the symbol and just above the beaver there is a crown, it establish a connection between royalty and Lieutenant Governor.
Supporters – the shield is supported by a royal lion and white tailed deer. Here lion represent power and deer is animal of Saskatchewan. Both animals are wearing collar having star represent the honor Saskatchewan received in year 1985. Near to their feet lion is having maple leaf, a Canadian symbol and deer is having lily, flower of Saskatchewan.
Motto – at the bottom of the symbol we can see a partition made by red lilies having regional motto “Multis e gentibus vires” means many people’s strengths. It is displaying multi cultural traditions of Saskatchewan.
Colours - colours used in coat of arms reflect various aspects of Saskatchewan culture. Green reflects grass and forest. Red reflects the color of lily whereas gold reflect wheat and brown is showing soil colour.
The Saskatchewan coat of arms symbol is quite similar to royal coat of arms of United Kingdom. Royal coat of arms is an official symbol of British monarch. The purposes of both symbols are same and there is very minor difference in design of both the symbols.
Conclusion:
The coat of arm is true fusion of Central Canadian culture and Saskatchewan regional culture. The symbol was designed very beautifully, reflecting nature aspects along with power and government. The symbol is representing all the major aspects of culture like; power, government, honor, nature, agriculture, industry and message which showing fusion of multiple cultures in one culture that is Saskatchewan.
References
Porter, J. M. (2009). Perspectives of Saskatchewan. Manitoba: University of Manitoba Press.
Saskatchewan . (n.d.). Retrieved November 8, 2011, from www.ops.gov.sk.ca: http://www.ops.gov.sk.ca/Default.aspx?DN=f9a022a1-b8e7-4bf7-bda2-c245967f30ab
Saskatchewan Official Symbols & Emblems. (n.d.). Retrieved November 8, 2011, from www3.sympatico.ca: http://www3.sympatico.ca/goweezer/canada/embSASK.htm
