Mossbank, Saskatchewan 3.79

Mossbank is a town in the province of Saskatchewan, Canada. It is located south of Old Wives Lake and 70 km south of Moose JawHistoryMossbank was incorporated in 1912 as an extension of the railroad from Expanse. The townsite was chosen by the Canadian National Railway railine with an adjacent townsite of Raycraft being established to the north by the Canadian Pacific Railway railine.A number of significant historical events have taken place in Mossbank and area. Three of the most prominent were the first meeting between a First Nations people and the North West Mounted Police (NWMP); the establishment of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP) No. 2 Bombing and Gunnery School; and the famous 1957 Debate between Saskatchewan Premier Tommy Douglas and Ross Thatcher, who would later also serve as Premier of Saskatchewan. Mossbank is also the location of the Ambroz Blacksmith Shop and Residence Provincial Heritage Property.First meeting between the NWMP and a First Nations groupIn 1874, during the famous Great March West, the NWMP camped at Old Wives Lake, north of the current location of Mossbank. Their camp was located near where the Wood River enters Old Wives Lake. Shortly after establishing their campsite, the NWMP were approached by a scout for a group of Sioux refugees. His group was originally from Minnesota but had fled the state after being displaced from their lands there. They hoped that the British government would consider giving them sanctuary in Canada. The NWMP agreed to meet with the Sioux the next day. The NWMP wanted to make a strong impression on the group as they were the first group of First Nations that had encountered so far in their trek westward. The entire Sioux contingent consisting of over one hundred men, women and children visited the NWMP camp the following day and the two participated in both formal ceremonies and informal trading that lasted several days.