Located on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis, this naturalizing green space of the historic Saskatoon Sanitorium site is a silent witness to a profound chapter in our shared history. Once a thriving hub for tuberculosis treatment, it now stands as a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of tuberculosis (TB) on both humans and animals, and the near extinction of the American bison.
In the late 19th century, the bison population on the North American plains faced catastrophic decline from various and diverse causes. From an estimated three to four million, fewer than 100 bison remained in the wild by the late 1880s. This decline was driven by a combination of causes including but not limtied to; anthropocentric behaviors inclusive of the transcontinental railway building across the United States of America, loss of bison foraging habitat due to increase of horses at a time of a prolonged severe drought, and diseases including anthrax and bovine tuberculosis. Bovine TB, a chronic bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium bovis is a different strain from TB in humans (Mycobacterium tuberculosis.) The bovine TB pandemic affects not only cattle but also wildlife such as bison, elk, mule deer, and white-tailed deer, historically, and in contemporary times. Animals can be tested by Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment. Infected animals are a human health risk. Signs of bovine tuberculosis in animals are severe weight loss and debilitation, and was one of several contributing factors to the bison's near extinction - a tragic story of the North American plains.
Tuberculosis also ravaged human populations, spreading through the air from those with active TB. It remains a global epidemic, with nearly one-and-a-half million deaths each year. World TB Day, observed on March 24th, raises awareness of this ongoing challenge.
In response to the tuberculosis crisis, the Saskatoon Sanatorium was established in 1925 as part of a broader effort to combat the disease. By 1929, Saskatchewan led by example becoming the first jurisdiction to offer universal free TB diagnosis and treatment. This initiative marked a significant advancement in disease control, although the sanatorium's need diminished with the advent of antibiotics and vaccines. The facility closed in 1988, but its legacy endures in the ongoing efforts to monitor and manage TB in wildlife.
As you walk through this naturalized space, remember the resilience of those who faced these challenges and the lessons learned from their struggles. The land tells a story of suffering and recovery, reflecting both the environmental changes wrought by disease and the enduring spirit of the communities that once relied on the bison and fought against TB.
All Saskatoon parks are open from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight This is not an off-leash park. You may wish to hike with a partner in this woodland path area - a secluded hidden gem in Saskatoon.
To discover the location of this geocache, 52 degrees north latitude and 106 degrees west longitude are given to you. In geocaching journies, the directions north and south matter significantly. Geocaching.com uses the format Decimal Minutes (D° M.M')
Solve the following two puzzles for 52° ab.cde' North, 106° vw.xyz' West.
To download the pdf version of the two puzzles click on these links (allows larger size viewing online)
For printing the puzzles, you may have to select "fit to page."
GCAXPBB A Legacy of Loss and Hope Mystery Cache FALLEN PHRASE
GCAXPBB A Legacy of Loss and Hope Mystery Cache Double Puzzle
Congratulations Claryvoyant and DoryXplorey, on being the team to find the FTF! 🎉 Your keen skills and dedication are truly commendable.
I appreciate your feedback and have made a few updates based on your comments. You’ll now find a PDF format file included in the geocache puzzles, allowing geocachers to adjust the font size through your PDF viewer or for printing out.
Thanks again for your invaluable input and enthusiasm. Happy geocaching!
***NOTE*** Changed difficulty rating to reflect time spent on puzzles, though the field time "finding" the cache in the field should be relatively easy ;-)
If you are in an outside space anywhere in Saskatoon:
Reporting encampments "Please do not approach an encampment or the individuals in a temporary shelter. If you see someone living in unsafe outdoor living conditions, please contact the Service Saskatoon 24hr Customer Care Centre at 306-975-2476 to have your report added to the queue. Current response times for the encampment team is 48 hours. " If there is an emergency that is posing a risk to life safety or property such as a fire, medical distress, violence call 911 immediately. You can also call 1-866-757-5911 or email sask911inquiry@gov.sk.ca for more information