An example of the sort of interpretive signage that's planned for the Prince Albert riverbank is this picture and info on a stand at the Waskesiu mini golf course. (Submitted/P.A. council agenda)

By Glenn Hicks

Acknowledging history

Riverbank Indigenous signage project approved

Jun 19, 2019 | 2:09 PM

Six interpretive signs on the history of the city’s first peoples are coming to the Prince Albert riverbank, likely before winter.

The Riverbank History Storyline project concept was approved by city council this week and will see the specially designed signage informing the public about the various First Nations tribal groups and Metis who settled along the water.

“Telling that history and having community pride is important, “ Judy MacLeod Campbell, the city’s arts and culture coordinator told paNOW following the council go ahead. “Almost 42 per cent of our population is Indigenous and to have their history told is important.”

MacLeod Campbell added the telling of history was among the recommendations in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action and the signs would also enhance the Rotary Trail and the beautiful surroundings.

“It’ll be great for residents’ pride but I think it also has a lot of tourism potential,” she said.

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The project is part of the city’s Municipal Cultural Action Plan and $5,000 has been set aside for it, with the various task group partners seeking matching grant funding before they commission the signs. The Historical Society, P.A. Downtown Improvement District and the city have been working on the plans which also included consultations with the Historical Society First Nations and Metis Knowledge Keepers.

This concept graphic shows each sign would have a metal cut out animal on top.(Submitted/P.A. council agenda)

The concept idea features a metal cut animal that would sit on top of each of the six signs. City council asked about the possibility of the signs being vandalized but MacLeod Campbell said they were hopeful the think metal cut outs and anti-graffiti coating would prevent that, while also making the pieces weather-proof. However, she did not think the signs would become a target for deliberate damage.

“I used to live in La Ronge and we received a commemorative public art piece, I believe related to a provincial celebration, and despite [vandalism] worries then it hasn’t been touched …and that was twenty years ago.”

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glenn.hicks@jpbg.ca

On Twitter:@princealbertnow