City history
From its Cree roots to its status as a modern prairie hub, Saskatoon offers a unique history shaped by its landscape and steady timekeeping.
Chapter one
Indigenous name
"Wind willow or Saskatoon berry bush"
The name is derived from the Cree word for the Saskatoon berry, a fruit that has long been a staple for the Indigenous peoples of the region.
Derived from the berry bush
Originally established as a settlement before formal incorporation as a town.
Chapter two
Early settlements synchronized their clocks with local solar time before national standards were formally adopted across the region.
Saskatchewan moved to a permanent standard time, effectively opting out of the daylight saving time shifts used by neighboring provinces.
Chapter three
Saskatoon was officially incorporated as a town, marking its transition from a small settlement into a structured municipality.
Rapid expansion driven by the railway led to Saskatoon being officially incorporated as a city, establishing its role as a hub.
The University of Saskatchewan was established, becoming a cornerstone for scientific research and regional development in the prairies.