The Yorkton Brick Mill Heritage Society has officially unveiled the name of its new building: the Anuik Family Interpretive Centre. The announcement came as Ernie Anuik and his family made a $100,000 donation to the Brick Mill restoration project on Thursday, bringing the family’s total contribution to $300,000. “I’m humbled. I’m very humbled and honoured,” he said. Larry Pearen, president of the Yorkton Brick Mill Heritage Society, noted that Anuik has been supporting the project since its early days. “It’s been a matter of three years, and he’s been very supportive from way back in 2010 when we started the project,” Pearen said. “So, it’s great to have this event today.” Anuik said he never expected public recognition for his contributions. Instead, he said he was motivated by the memories he made at the mill as a child. “It’s got a very soft spot [for the Mill] because I have very many pleasant memories from the time as a little pre-school kid coming here with my parents and my grandparents to exchange grain for flour,” he said. “And it went on ‘til I was about 14 years old.” His story is just one of many tied to Yorkton’s oldest building, which has served generations of families in and around Yorkton. Pearen said the society was especially pleased to include the word “family” in the building’s name. “We really like the word family because it’s a hub of activity, and family farms are a big part of this project, and they continue to be a big part of Yorkton,” he said. Just outside the interpretive centre’s banquet room, visitors can find a wall dedicated to local agricultural families. Equipped with QR codes, the display allows guests to learn more about the families who helped shape Yorkton’s agricultural industry over the past century, including the Pearens and Anuiks. Each plaque represents a donation made toward the restoration effort, which aims to preserve the oldest brick mill in Western Canada and protect it from the wrecking ball. Support for the project has come not only from individual donors, but also from all levels of government and community organizations, including the Yorkton Tribal Council. As for Anuik, he hopes others will continue supporting efforts to preserve local history. “I would hope that everybody else feels it’s important to retain history,” he said. “Sometimes we kind of forget about buildings until they’re brought to our attention, or until they’re torn down.” The new Anuik Family Interpretive Centre sign is expected to be installed in the coming weeks.
