The Great Depression hit the prairie coalfields incredibly hard, setting the stage for a tragic confrontation.
On Sept. 29, 1931, hundreds of striking coal miners from Bienfait paraded into Estevan. They were demanding better wages, safer working conditions, and the basic right to be recognized by the Mine Workers Union of Canada.
Corporate owners flatly refused their demands.
As the peaceful motorcade entered the town square, they were met by a heavy police roadblock. Tensions quickly boiled over into chaos.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police opened fire on the crowd, killing three local miners and severely injuring dozens more.
Known forever as Black Tuesday, the Estevan riot highlighted the hopelessness of prairie workers during the Great Depression.
It remains one of the darkest, most enduring legacies of the Canadian labour movement.
Learn more about 100 Years of CKRM at 620ckrm.com.
100 Years of Saskatchewan History
This article is part of a series that celebrates both the history of Saskatchewan and the 100th anniversary of one of Saskatchewan's most storied radio stations. For more key moments from the last 100 years, visit the CKRM timeline.
