The city and Miywasin Centre partnered to unveil this plaque recognizing the historic Métis settlement that once occupied Saratoga Park.--NEWS PHOTO KENDALL KING
kking@medicinehatnews.com
The City of Medicine Hat and Miywasin Friendship Centre partnered together to unveil a new plaque Thursday which recognizes the historic Métis settlement that once occupied Saratoga Park.
The unveiling of the plaque comes nearly one year after the park was designated as a Municipal Historic Resource.
Brenda Mercer, cultural co-ordinator at Miywasin, believes the plaque provides the community with a deeper understanding of the park’s history and its importance to the Métis community.
Following the end of the First World War, up to 20 Métis families began living in Saratoga Park. The settlement remained there for nearly a century, when the last remaining occupant, Henry Aaker, departed.
This is a community where a lot of people have their roots,said Mercer. Acknowledging that history, Mercer feels, is a means of passing on intergenerational knowledge.Former resident, Henry Aaker Jr., shared in Thursday’s festivities with his daughter and granddaughter.
Also in attendance were Mayor Ted Clugston, several city council members, representatives from the Miywasin Centre and the general public. Photo displays that depicted the settlement through time were available for viewing.
The plaque is located on the Saratoga Park Trail that runs beside Seven Persons Creek.
