Economic development has been much on my agenda lately.
Finding a use for our former hospital building is at the top of the list.
It still sits empty, a symbol of loss. It needs to be used again, for the good of the building and for the town’s morale.
Whenever I think of economic development, I think of the village of Herschel, about an hour and a half from Saskatoon. I’ve just made my fourth trip there this year.
Out of three carved rocks in a farmer’s pasture has grown an attraction that people come from around the world to see.
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The petroglyphs on which Herschel has developed its tourist industry – three dolomite boulders left behind by the glaciers – were being carved about 1,500 years BP (Before Present, present being 2000), the same time as the Roman Empire was falling and 300 years before the making of the Easter Island statues.
The petroglyphs are considered a sacred site; to this day, Native elders leave food and tobacco as offerings.
It is about one hour’s hike, both ways, to view the petroglyphs and hear their story.
A guide is mandatory and can be found at the Ancient Echoes Interpretive Centre in the former Herschel school.
At the centre, visitors can see a video about the area, setting the scene for the hike.
In the former school gym, there is an exhibit of the flora and fauna of the region as well as pottery and stone tool-making and trade goods exhibits.
On the walls are 18 paintings by Jo Cooper, a woman from Quebec who has spent much time at the centre.
The paintings depict the history of the Native people.
There are displays throughout the building of rocks of the area and beyond, arrow heads and spear points and, more modern wood from the torn-down village elevators.
Your guide may also show you a collection of pottery that has been made and fired in the traditional way.
Don’t plan to breeze in and out in a few minutes or half an hour.
To do the centre and the tour properly, you need about three hours.
A hint: Before you go on the hike to the petroglyphs, stop in the tea room. View the crafts and have a cup of tea or coffee.
For sustenance, try the dessert of the day or sample one of the homemade cinnamon buns that are always on the menu.
I guarantee this interlude will be one of the highlights of your trip.
