at 25 years, wanuskewin heritage Park envisions a bright future
As its 25th anniversary year draws to a close, Wanuskewin Heritage Park is anticipating an even brighter future. Located just northeast of Saskatoon, Wanuskewin serves as a National Historic Site, an interpretive centre, a museum, an art gallery and a conference space. And, as most visitors will agree, Wanuskewin is a place of spiritual renewal and natural beauty.
Wanuskewin has been a gathering place for the Indigenous peoples of the Northern Plains for thousands of years. The park has evolved and changed over time – and will continue to change with the expansion and improvements made possible by its $40 million Thundering Ahead Campaign.
Teena Nelson is the Director of Programming at Wanuskewin, an educator and an artist. She is a member of Ahtahkakoop Cree First Nation and has a degree in education from the University of Saskatchewan.
“At Wanuskewin we ask how can we better our programs for children and adults? How can we make our programming more inclusive for everyone and create those connections, and reconnections, with our Indigenous culture? It’s so exciting to be a part of,” says Nelson.
Nelson began her affiliation with Wanuskewin in the late 1990s. Trained in traditional pottery arts through Joe Duquette High School, she was offered a summer job as an interpretive guide at Wanuskewin and continued in seasonal roles for the next 10 years.
Nelson praises the foresight and dedication of Dr. Ernie Walker (a University of Saskatchewan professor who leads archaeological field digs at Wanuskewin) and the Elders who founded the existing park 25 years ago.
Future goals of the Thundering Ahead Campaign include a renovated and expanded interpretive centre, a bigger Indigenous art gallery, enhanced cultural programming, research and education labs for archaeologists and anthropologists, and trail upgrades.
There is also a plan to return a herd of bison to the Wanuskewin site and the land is currently being prepared for the bison. Estimated to take three years, this preparation involves reseeding the natural Prairie grasses and establishing a root system. When the land is ready, bison paddocks will be constructed and the animals brought in.
In January 2017, Wanuskewin initiated the process for UNESCO World Heritage Site designation. Although the process can be long, to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site is the highest international recognition of a site’s heritage value. The designation is known to increase both tourism and safeguarding of the site itself.
“At the end of 2017, Wanuskewin was named to the tentative list for UNESCO designation by Parks Canada. There were more than 40 applicants and just a few other destinations in the country made the tentative list, so we count ourselves very fortunate,” says Andrew McDonald, Wanuskewin’s sales and marketing manager.
“This will be a significant achievement. If we are successful, Wanuskewin will become the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Saskatchewan’s history. This would be a wonderful opportunity for us to share the rich and distinct history and culture of the Plains Indigenous people with the world.”
McDonald adds: “It also creates a sense of pride in that the story of the Plains people – the bison people – is distinct and worthy of being in the global spotlight. Wanuskewin is on the same level as other UNESCO sites like Venice, Machu Picchu or the Great Barrier Reef. We’re embarking on something special.”
Wanuskewin has multiple events planned for National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21. Nelson says: “With the new name – National Indigenous Peoples Day – the day feels even more inclusive and appropriate. We have some fantastic activities planned including traditional games, a medicine walk, an archaeology walk, tipi raising, dance performances and activities specifically for children like face painting. There will also be a draw for a beautiful Pendleton blanket based on a scavenger hunt.”
The park will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and – as part of the celebration – admission is free for the day. The Saskatoon-headquartered crop nutrient company Nutrien is lead sponsor for the day’s events. CHEP Good Food is also a sponsor and will provide a sustainable food display.
Find out more about the park at www.wanuskewin.com. Additional information on its Thundering Ahead Campaign can be found at www.thunderingahead.ca.
With the new name – National Indigenous Peoples Day – the day feels even more inclusive and appropriate. We have some fantastic activities planned including traditional games, a medicine walk, an archaeology walk, tipi raising, dance performances and activities specifically for children like face painting. There will also be a draw for a beautiful Pendleton blanket based on a scavenger hunt.
- teena nelson, director of programming, Wanuskewin heritage Park