By George Barnhart
When we talk of rural, we think of remote locations, sparse population, farms, small towns far from urban centers. Rural is often defined by the number of people, the distance from cities, or the amount of open space. But these definitions are constraints, barriers, and limitations. Rural means something more profound than geography or demographics. Rural is a tapestry of values that transcends the boundaries of municipalities or towns.
Rural is fundamentally a matter of culture. A culture with a web of shared beliefs, habits, and values. It is a community that binds people together with a shared history and a strong sense of belonging. It is not an abstract concept, but a way of living, celebrating, making decisions, and interacting. People helping people, with a dependence on each other for news and support, where informal networks often substitute for formal organizations. This is rural culture.
Social life revolves around cherished local events such as annual fairs and holiday parades, while volunteerism thrives through activities like firefighting, organizing fall suppers, and maintaining the region’s recreation center. Community gatherings not only foster social bonds but also reinforce the self-sufficient spirit that defines rural life.
There is an underlying rural tradition that provides a sense of continuity even in the face of social and economic change. The rural ethos of resourcefulness, where people learn to fix what breaks, make do with what they have, and adapt to hardship, is a point of pride and a marker of identity. This is rural culture.
Rural culture is not static; it adapts to new realities. Shifts in immigration, technology, and economics create new influences and challenges. Young people may leave for opportunities elsewhere, while newcomers bring different perspectives and skills. Yet, the core elements of rural culture—connection, interdependence, tradition, and resourcefulness—often endure, providing a foundation for renewal and change.
To the rest of the world, all of Saskatchewan is rural, in part because of the geography and demographics, but mainly because the people of Saskatchewan have a unique culture. Rurality is woven through the lives, values, and relationships of the province. People wear Roughrider hats and t-shirts wherever they travel, proudly proclaiming their identity. Saskatchewan people bring different perspectives and unique skills. They honour the richness and diversity of rural life.
When we recognize rural areas as a matter of culture, we open ourselves to breaking down barriers, developing understanding, respect, and connection with Saskatchewan as a community.