From photos on the cover of the National Post to video footage aired on TV in Canada, the United States and Switzerland, the 2016 Saskatchewanderer has an impressive resume. But Neil Fisher couldn鈥檛 be prouder to add 鈥淪askatchewanderer鈥� to his resume.
鈥淚鈥檓 beyond excited!鈥� said Fisher. 鈥淚鈥檝e already done a fair bit of exploring here in Saskatchewan, but I still see it as an exotic, far-off land with countless wonders waiting to be discovered. A great Canadian, Chris Hadfield, said 鈥楨xploration stretches our understanding鈥� and I can鈥檛 wait to give the world a better understanding of what this amazing province is all about.鈥�
Fisher has travelled along Canada鈥檚 west coast, through the Prairies, up in the Arctic and all the way to Australia capturing his experiences via photographs and video to share with the world through his blog and social media.
Fisher grew up in Coquitlam, B.C. and currently calls Saskatoon home. A coworker told Fisher that he would make a great Saskatchewanderer and that is what prompted him to apply. He realized that becoming the next Saskatchewanderer would allow him to make a living doing what he loves.
Before moving to Saskatchewan, Fisher worked as a marine mammal trainer at the Vancouver Aquarium and then as a videographer, telling the stories of the Vancouver Aquarium鈥檚 animals and the work of the aquarium and its people.
Fisher鈥檚 photography has been featured on the covers of the National Post and The Vancouver Sun. He has had work published in National Geographic鈥檚 children鈥檚 magazine, NatGeo Explorer, and the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History used a photo of his in an exhibit focusing on bioluminescence.
His video footage has been seen around the world and aired on major news networks, from CBC and Global in Canada, ABC and NBC in the United States, SF Television in Switzerland, and France5.
鈥淭he Saskatchewanderer program offers us an opportunity to showcase our diverse province to a large audience,鈥� said Mark Docherty, Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport. 鈥淣eil has a unique background of work and travel, and he鈥檚 turning his passion into a career. We look forward to seeing his photography and videography talents highlight the many amazing people and places of Saskatchewan.鈥�
鈥淣eil has an exciting year ahead of him as the 2016 Saskatchewanderer,鈥� said Jeremy Harrison, Minister responsible for Tourism Saskatchewan. 鈥淗e has an important role to play, promoting the province鈥檚 wealth of attractions and events, as well as the jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities in tourism.鈥�
CAA Saskatchewan has been a proud sponsor of the Saskatchewanderer program since its inception in 2011. Throughout the year, Fisher will make stops at CAA Saskatchewan events and also at CAA Stores to meet members and visitors.
Planning for Neil鈥檚 2016 expeditions is underway. Residents who have a story idea that they would like to share with him, connect with him on Facebook (facebook.com/skwanderer), Twitter (@skwanderer), or Instagram (@saskatchewanderer).
To keep up with the latest blogs, follow him on YouTube or visit the website located at www.saskatchewanderer.ca.
Neil will be employed as the Saskatchewanderer until December 2016. The Saskatchewanderer program is supported by Tourism Saskatchewan, the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport, the Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Agriculture with the mandate to promote the many ways that Saskatchewan is an amazing place to live, work and play.
