The Saskatchewan History and Folklore Society's (SHFS) mandate is to gather, preserve, and promote interest in Saskatchewan's past. It was formed in 1957, with Everett Baker as its first president. In 1959, Baker initiated a project to mark the trail from Wood Mountain to the Cypress Hills: this path had first been used by the Nakota, Nehiyawak, Gros Ventre, Siksika, and later the Métis fur traders; the same trail was used by the North-West Mounted Police from 1875 to 1912. The SHFS has grown to become a multi-faceted company that funds research projects for individuals interested in exploring Saskatchewan's past; it also provides a bursary for undergraduate students majoring in Canadian plains history at the University of Regina. The SHFS assists local communities in recognizing the contributions of Saskatchewan people to their province and to the history of Canada; each year the Society presents its award to an individual who has contributed significantly to the understanding of the province's history. It also publishes the popular Folklore magazine.
Elizabeth Mooney