More than 400 Saskatchewan families, including two from Yorkton are set to be recognized by the province this month.
Blake Harris and Greig and Maureen Pearce will be among the 421 recipients of the Information Services Corporation (ISC) ISC Century Family Farm Award. The annual award recognizes farm families who have continuously farmed or ranched their land for 100 years or more.
"The ISC Century Family Farm Award celebrates the traditions and heritage that have shaped our province," Minister responsible for ISC Tim McMillan says. "Family farms and ranches are not just an important part of our past, they continue to be a vital part of the economy and culture of Saskatchewan. I congratulate each of the recipients on their remarkable achievement."
As the safe keeper of important historical documents that include land grants and titles, geographic maps and photos and survey information, ISC formally records Saskatchewan history. By managing the annual award program, ISC celebrates that history and gives back to people and communities across rural Saskatchewan.
Three luncheon events have been planned to honour recipients, each starting at 12 p.m.: Regina: Monday, June 4 - The Convention Hall, Conexus Arts Centre; Swift Current: Tuesday, June 5 - Auditorium, Credit Union iPlex; Saskatoon: Thursday, June 7 - Butler Byers Century Hall, Western Development Museum.
Each recipient family receives their choice of a free indoor wall plaque or a cedar gate sign at a reduced price, as well as a high-quality colour re-production of their ancestor's original land grant or title and 12 commemorative certificates.
To be eligible for the program, applicants must live in Saskatchewan and continue to operate the farm or ranch, and meet the March 15 application deadline for that year. Applicants do not need to send in any historical documentation with their application. ISC and the Saskatchewan Archives Board will do all necessary research on each applicant's behalf, free of charge.
For a complete list of 2012 ISC Century Family Farm Award recipients, see the attached backgrounder, or visit www.isc.ca/cffa.
