THE RURAL HISTORY & CULTURE ASSOCIATION
OF SASKATCHEWAN

Two videos featuring performers from recent Celebrate the NWMP Trail festivals in Eastend and Shaunavon have been posted in the music section of the RHCA website.  The videos are by Megan Nash of Mortlach and Karen Blackwell Jones of Dinsmore, two of Saskatchewan’s most talented singer/songwriters. Megan’s song called “Sober,” is a homage to “typical” country songs and  takes an amusing look at the results of over indulgence.  Karen’s beautiful melodies in “Pray for Rain,” contemplated the past, present and future of the family farm.

Over 1000 people have already attended Celebrate the NWMP Trail festivals in Wood Mountain, McCord, Eastend and Shaunavon and there is still time to catch part of the excitement in Val Marie on July 24 and Fort Walsh on August 2.   Events in Val Marie will include the opportunity to ride into town from parts of the original NWMP Trail that lies outside the town.  Both events will conclude with a storytelling and sing-along circle and at Fort Walsh you are invited to participate in a Potluck picnic while in Val Marie their will be a beef and bean supper served by the local committee dedicated to saving the Val Marie elevator. 

Pictures and videos from the first four Celebrate the NWMP Trail events have been posted on the RHCA website and more will be coming soon!

Melissa Wurme

Melissa Wurme, a young woman from the Kawacatoose First Nation joined the cast of the “Spirits of the Trail” in Eastend and will be participating in the remaining Celebrate the NWMP Trail festivals in Shaunavon, Val Marie and Fort Walsh.  Melissa is a traditional First Nations singer and dancer and will also be part of the First Nations cultural performances that will also be taking place at the remaining festivals.  Melissa played a small role in the “Spirits of the Trail” performance and Eastend, where she was warmly received while performing a traditional song accompanied by Elder Bob Smoker on drum.  After the great reaction to Melissa in Eastend, Spirits Director Ken Mitchell promised a larger role for Melissa in future shows.  The next Celebrate the NWMP Trail event is in Shaunavon on July 18 and 19.