IMPACTING SASKATCHEWAN SInce 1917

4-H has been an important part of Saskatchewan communities since 1917 when the first livestock clubs were formed.  With a deep-rooted history and pride in the program, the simple vision that started 4-H has endured the test of time, making 4-H one of Canada's most recognized and valued youth programs.
History Timeline
1913
The first 4-H club in Canada was formed in Roland, Manitoba.
1917
The first livestock clubs in Saskatchewan were formed in Dubuc, Colgate, and Tantallon.
John G. Rayner was appointed as the first director of Boys' and Girls' Club work.  His philosophy was that the boy or girl was of primary concern and the project work secondary.
1949
The first district council in Saskatchewan was organized.  Clubs in District #30 joined together for the purpose of managing a district Fat Stock Show & Sale.
1952
The name 4-H was adopted and the Saskatchewan 4-H Club program was officially born.  A four-leaf clover with an 'H' on each leaf became the official emblem.
1957
The Saskatchewan 4-H Council was formed.  This was the first provincial 4-H council in Canada.
1960
The Saskatchewan 4-H Foundation was incorporated, as an independent body responsible for administering the funds donated to the 4-H program in Saskatchewan.
1968
The first 4-H Leader's Seminar was held at Camp Rayner.
1973
A provincial 4-H rally took place at Camp Rayner to commemorate the 60th anniversary of 4-H in Canada.
1975
Regional 4-H Councils were established in six Agricultural Extension Regions with grant support from the Department of Agriculture for hiring Regional 4-H Representatives to support clubs and leaders in those regions.
1985
The Saskatchewan 4-H Council Hall of Fame was created in 1984, and the first inductees were recognized.  
1997
The Saskatchewan 4-H Lottery began, sharing raised funds equally between participating clubs and the Saskatchewan 4-H Council.
2002
The organization completed a restructuring process recommended in 1999's The Strategic Plan.  Changes included decreasing the size of the Board of Directors and reducing the number of 4-H regions from six to four.
2004
Harold the Hare is unveiled as the provincial 4-H mascot.  Harold was designed by a 4-H member, who chose a hare to represent the 'hop to it' attitude of 4-H members.  
2013
4-H Canada celebrates 100 years of programming in Canada.  Saskatchewan 4-H clubs join in the celebrations with local events and displays.  
4-H Saskatchewan contributes a grain elevator replica embellished with historic photos to the 100th Anniversary commemorative display to be housed in the National 4-H Museum in Roland, Manitoba.  
2017
4-H Saskatchewan celebrates 100 years of programming.  A large gala was held in Saskatoon to celebrate featuring our guest speaker Temple Grandin.  

Hall of Fame 

 The 4-H Saskatchewan Hall of Fame was created in 1985, to provide a way to recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the 4-H program in Saskatchewan in a volunteer capacity.  To be eligible for this recognition, recipients must have
  • made an outstanding volunteer contribution to 4-H, not including contributions made in the capacity of a paid staff person;
  • preference will be given to those that have contributed to 4-H beyond the club level [district, regional, national, international].
  • If a currently active volunteer leader, must have served the 4-H movement for at least 30 years,
  • If a retired leader, must have served the 4-H movement for at least 15 years, and have been out of service for at least two years. 
Nominations may originate with a Club, District 4-H Council or the Saskatchewan 4-H Council or a 4-H individual, but must be endorsed by a District 4-H Council. The nomination application form must be received by the Saskatchewan 4-H Selections Committee by December 31 each year. Nomination form is available HERE. 

Some 4-H Hall of Famers have also been inducted into the Saskatchewan Agricultural Hall of Fame. Check it out here.
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Please join us in extending our best wishes, and deepest thanks to all past inductees! You can read all of their bios in the document provided on the right.