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Saskatchewan
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Name
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Saskatchewan gets its name from the Cree name for the Saskatchewan River, Kisiskatchewanisipi, meaning swift-flowing river. The name was eventually shortened to Saskatchewan and, in 1882, it became the name of one of the districts of the Northwest Territories.
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Flag
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The flag of Saskatchewan was adopted on March 31, 1969. The flag is divided horizontally into two equal parts, one green, and the other gold. The green represents the northern forested areas of the province and the gold symbolizes the southern grain field areas. The shield of arms of Saskatchewan is in the upper quarter near the staff, and the provincial floral emblem, the western red lily, is positioned on the fly half of the flag.
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Coat of Arms
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The coat of arms of Saskatchewan was granted by royal warrant of King Edward VII on 25 August, 1906. The crest, supporters, and motto were granted by royal warrant of Queen Elizabeth II on 16 September, 1986. The coat of arms displays a red lion, a traditional royal symbol, on a horizontal gold band across the upper third; three gold wheat sheaves on a green background, symbolizing Saskatchewan's agriculture and resources, occupy the lower two-thirds. The shield is supported by a royal lion and a white-tailed deer. Both supporters wear collars of prairie Indian beadwork, from which are suspended badges in the form of the six-pointed star of the Saskatchewan Order of Merit. The badge worn by the lion displays the maple leaf, that worn by the deer displays Saskatchewan's official flower. Immediately above the shield is a helmet facing left, representing the co-sovereign status of the province in Confederation. The helmet is decorated with mantling in Canada's national colours. Above the helmet is a wreath, which supports a beaver, representing the North, the fur trade, and the native people. The beaver holds a western red lily. The beaver is surmounted by the Crown, a symbol of Saskatchewan's direct link with the Sovereign through the Lieutenant Governor.
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Capital city: Regina
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Joined confederation: 1 September, 1905
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Official motto: Multis E Gentibus Vires - From Many Peoples Strength
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Area: 651,036 square kilometres
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Percent of Canada's area: 6.52 percent
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Population: 978,933 people
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Population density: 1.7 people per square kilometre
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Percent of Canada's population: 3.26 percent
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Official flower: Western Red Lily
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Official bird: Sharp Tailed Grouse
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Official tree: Paper Birch
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