It was 44 years ago that a dream developed as Jack MacKenzie, along with Don and Nora Stewart wanted to develop a place for people to go, to get back to nature. The three were based out of Regina and fell in love with the Moose Mountains.
Four years ago, at a gathering to celebrate 40 years of Saskairie, the group explained that they sent nearly 50 letters to inquire with landowners along the south and west side of Moose Mountain Provincial Park. Out of the 50 sent, they only received three back, and all replies were negative.
The group decided to take a different approach to purchasing a plot of land and eventually focused on seven spots that they considered to be ideal. From there, they decided to talk, face-to-face with the landowners. They came to persuade Hugh and Mary Kippen to sell them a piece of land.
Thus, Saskairie: A Project of the Prairie Lore and Living Society, was born. Don Stewart was an engineer and after brainstorming what type of building they wanted, he eventually drew up the plans for the project. The lodge was then established with the help of the White Bear First Nations.
"It is a one of a kind building. There is nothing else exactly like it out there in the world," MacKenzie said while speaking about Saskairie's development in 2012 at the 40th anniversary.
The facility has been used by many groups to enjoy the natural world. It provides a setting for enjoying and learning about nature such as building quincee's, learning about plants, studying marshes, and enjoying the outdoors in general.
For the weekend of July 8-10, the current Saskairie Board organized their second annual trail ride as a fundraiser for the facility.
Grace Robertson, part of the Saskairie board, explained that upkeep costs, taxes, and insurance for the facility are the largest costs they face, but as the original trio were determined to create Saskairie, the current group remains steadfast in their efforts.
The three-day trail ride was enjoyed by 46 individuals looking to support Saskairie and enjoy time riding with like-minded people. Not only did they see the countryside from horseback, they enjoyed a variety of entertainment on the Saturday night Jackie Guy of Yorkton and her daughter sang, while Lucky Star Entertainment did musical arrangements for them. Additionally, Bud Phoenix performed country poetry for those attending as well.
The group also welcomed MacKenzie to the event for the evening, which was a great treat for those attending to learn more about Saskairie.
“Our numbers on Saturday were maybe a little bit down this year because they were worried about the rain, but the day turned out,” Robertson said.
“Last year we started the annual ride, we had done smaller scale ones before, but it's already grown,” Robertson explained.
Saskairie itself can be booked by families, school groups, scouts, and cadet squadrons. To check on bookings contact Saskairie President Deb Moreau.
