George Fayant doesn’t live along Saskatchewan’s Highway 11 that links Regina and Prince Albert, but he’s still enthusiastic about a promotion plan for the 364-kilometre route.
As director of the eastern region of the Metis Nation of Saskatchewan, the Fort Qu’Appelle, Sask.-based Fayant has been gathering support letters to rename the roadway Highway11-Louis Riel Trail.
The idea, which has conditional approval from the provincial tourism signing committee, was proposed by the MidLakes Community Coalition. It is a loosely organized group of farmers and others living in central Saskatchewan who want to diversify the local economy by capitalizing on its historic and geographic tourist potential.
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The partners are now developing a marketing plan for provincial approval.
Seeking support
Fayant met one of the coalition’s advocates, Peter Farden of Davidson, and agreed to try to swing Metis support behind the name change. He has been gathering letters from Metis branches and leaders to send to the provincial highways department.
Riel led two rebellions in the West. The one in 1870 led to the formation of Manitoba, while the 1885 action in central Saskatchewan was put down by federal government forces. Although condemned as a traitor and hanged in Regina, Riel has been viewed more sympathetically as a hero for western Metis.
Fayant sees the issues of the 1800s repeated more than a century later. He notes farmers are hurting with low commodity prices and stung by what they see as a move to forced amalgamation of their local municipalities. He said the coalition’s marketing plan, if successful, will bring more wealth to a harried agricultural area. Its tourism plan includes tours, bed and breakfasts, special suppers and camps.
“We need to share the heritage with others,” he said.
“There’s Europeans and Asian tourists we need to persuade to turn north off the No. 1 highway.”
Farden said the coalition is planning a dedication ceremony in late June in Craik to reveal its plans for a sign to add the Riel name to the highway number. The sign has been designed by Don Wilkins, a farmer and coalition member noted for his large metal sculptures placed in towns along the highway. The design is a silhouette of Riel with metal cut-out letters of his name.
“It’s wonderful,” said Fayant.
“If I had the clout I’d approve it myself.”
