BIRD - SHARP-TAILED GROUSE

The sharp-tailed grouse was chosen as the provincial bird emblem in 1945. These birds are found on the prairies, in sheltered thickets and in bluffs of aspen. They do not migrate but live here year round. It is sometimes called a prairie chicken, although real prairie chickens live farther south. In the spring the male birds put on a dance for the females. They stamp the ground, spread their wings, inflate the purple patches on their necks, and coo and turn about trying to impress the females.

MINERAL- POTASH

Silvite (potash) was chosen as the official mineral in 1996. The potash industry is the largest mining industry in the province. Most of the potash produced is used in fertilizers. (more about potash )

TREE - WHITE BIRCH

The white birch was chosen as the provincial tree in 1988. It is also called the "paper birch" because the bark peels into thin paper-like layers. Some birch grow in southern Sask. but most of the birch trees grow farther north where it is cool and the soil is moist. The strong bark of the birch was once used by the native peoples for canoes and baskets. The dry bark was used for starting the fires. Tipi poles, racks for smoking meat or fish, snowshoes, sleds, canoe paddles, handles for hammers and other tools were made from the hard wood. Today the wood is used for lumber, plywood, veneer and fuel.

MOTTO

The provincial motto in Latin is "Multis E. Gentibus Vires" which means "from many peoples, strength ". This refers to the many cultural backgrounds of the people living in the province.

SASKATCHEWAN