Honouring history by investing in the future
- By Marjorie Mason

To me, leaving a gift to our community is a gift for generations to come. It’s a way of saying, "I was here and hopefully I made a difference in someone’s life."

My interest in leaving a legacy gift came in a roundabout way. While attending the University of Regina, I discovered I was interested in historical research. The perceived mundane process of searching land titles led me to realize these documents held many fascinating stories.

For example, did you know the British-Canadian boundary commission traveled from Lake of the Woods to the Rocky Mountains through blizzards, prairie fires and desert conditions? These surveyors and assistants quietly and efficiently surveyed the 49th parallel. The markers they left behind had a significant impact on the lives of First Nations people, fur traders, Metis, the Northwest Mounted Police, outlaws, ranchers and homesteaders. That international boundary continues to define the political landscape today.

I felt compelled to share these events, so I published a book with photos. The book was well-received and sold well, enabling me to establish a scholarship at the university.

I truly believe that our survival will depend on our will to protect our institutions and how much we value them. I feel honoured to be able to give back some of the benefits I have received from my association with the University of Regina. As for the recipients of the scholarship, I hope they gain as much insight into our fascinating history as I did. That will be the greatest reward of all.