Conservation groups call for protection of former PFRA pastures
The 23rd Prime Minister of Canada was sworn into the office this morning. There are high expectations from the new federal government under the leadership of Justin Trudeau to repair damage caused by the departing Conservatives, especially in the area of environmental protection and climate change. Three large conservation organizations: Nature Canada, Nature Saskatchewan and Alberta Wilderness Association are calling the new Liberal government to announce an immediate pause in transfer of community pastures formerly managed by the Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration (PFRA) to...
Read MoreSaskatchewan landscapes – an illustrated talk
Just a reminder that on Friday, April 24, 2015 I will present an illustrated talk Saskatchewan Landscapes at the Frances Morrison Central Library (311 – 23rd St East, Saskatoon). The show starts at 2 p.m, and admission is free. Drawing from over 15 years of exploring the wilds of Saskatchewan, I will share images from my favourite places in the province. If you are passionate about Saskatchewan landscapes, join us for a journey of discovery and inspiration. In the eyes of many Canadians, Saskatchewan landscapes are no more than endless fields of wheat and barley. In...
Read MoreIan Toews’ Grasslands film screening in Saskatoon
Saskatoon audiences will have an opportunity to view the poetic documentary about Saskatchewan grasslands this week. The film, produced by Gemini award winning filmmaker Ian Toews, will be shown on big screen at the Frances Morrison Central Library theatre, 311 – 23rd Street East in Saskatoon on Thursday, April 16, 2015 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. There is no admission charge and everyone is invited; bring along a friend or two. Following the screening, author and naturalist Trevor Herriot will provide an update on the state of the province’s grassland, and the work of Public Pastures –...
Read MoreStegner House Dinner and Art Exhibit
If you happen to be near Eastend, Saskatchewan on Saturday, February 28th, do not miss the 28th Annual Stegner House Dinner and Art Exhibit. This event is a fundraiser put together every year by the Eastend Arts Council in efforts to to keep the Stegner House Artist Residency up and going. The Stegner House residency program is available to writers, visual and performing artists from around the world. Follow the link if you are interested in spending some time in Eastend to explore and photograph this unique part of the Canadian Prairies. The 2015 residency schedule is completely booked up,...
Read MoreThe Last Cowboy – a short documentary film about the human cost of PFRA pasture closures
A few days ago a friend alerted me to a marvelous and touching documentary film about Jim Commodore, a retired cowboy at the Val Marie PFRA Community Pasture. This 6-minute documentary conveys a message about the human cost of the Community Pasture System closure, told through the eyes of a long time cowboy Jim Commodore. The Last Cowboy was produced by Megan Lacelle and Kaitlyn Van de Woestyne, journalism students at the University of Regina. Jim Commodore was born at the Val Marie PFRA pasture in 1941 and spent his working career as a cowboy on the federally run community pasture. In a...
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