Summer full of activities planned at Wanuskewin

With summer just around the corner, staff at Wanuskewin Heritage Park, located five kilometres north of Saskatoon, are gearing up for their busy season. A popular destination for residents and tourists alike, the world-renowned park boasts daily entertainment throughout the summer months that brings the history and culture of the northern and plains first peoples to life.

The park was designated a provincial heritage property in 1984, the only such site in Saskatchewan featuring prehistoric artifacts. It was named a national historic site in 1986.

"The name Wanuskewin is a Cree word chosen by Elders to describe the history of the place and loosely translated means seeking peace of mind," explained Sheila Gamble, Wanuskewin's chief executive officer.

Gamble noted that while many of the visitors to the park are non-Aboriginal people wanting to learn about Aboriginal culture, it also attracts Aboriginal people who want to keep in touch with their cultural roots.

"With growing urbanization, more and more Aboriginal people are leaving the reserves and small Native communities to live in urban settings. They can keep in touch with tradition and heritage here and their children won't grow up without cultural learning and activities," she said.

Practicing our culture is one of our daily needs, just as food and shelter are, she added. "It's important to be involved in our heritage and appreciate the ways of our ancestors. Knowledge and pride of culture lead to high self-esteem and it's a wonderful legacy that we leave to our young people if we give them the tools which lead to success."

A number of summer events are on the agenda at Wanuskewin, including a two-day celebration of National Aboriginal Day scheduled for June 21 and 22.

During those celebrations the park will play host to a powwow that will include a cultural exchange showcasing styles of dance. A children's village will be set up with a tipi play area, log scramble races, traditional craft making and a display featuring the creations of First Nations artisans. On June 22, a concert under the stars will be held featuring Tom Jackson and Andrea Menard.

"It will be a great evening with these two well-known and respected performers participating," said Gamble.

"June is a huge month because we have literally thousands of school children visit. And it's the beginning of our tourist visitations that continue right through to September, so it's a busy and enjoyable time."

In July, a Canada Day celebration will be held with an emphasis on family activities. The long weekend in August is filled with heritage-related festivities as well.

"We are promoting some summer family camping adventures too," she said, "and every day throughout the summer a 2 p.m. dance performance is featured." One day visitors might see a hoop dancer, the next day it might be a couple of traditional shawl dancers.

"It's a wonderful experience for the visitors but also for the performers, who hone their skills and have the opportunity to try new and different dances for appreciative audiences."

In addition to the many special events offered at the park, Wanuskewin also offers visitors the unique opportunity to spend the night in a traditional tipi in the Opimihaw Valley. "Our tours and walks feature an interpreter who accompanies our guests into the valley on trails where archaeological digs are taking place, or where camps were held thousands of years ago," Gamble said. "There are buffalo jumps and a completely intact medicine wheel so people can see our history first hand."

While summer is a particularly busy time at Wanuskewin, the park is home to events and activities year round.

Through the winter the park is open except for a few days at Christmas and Easter. "We have lots of wonderful activities, including outreach programs for children, song and dance classes, and Aboriginal awareness education which includes corporate operations as well," Gamble said. "We also have major events such as a special service to commemorate our veterans on Nov. 11 and a traditional powwow in the inner city of Saskatoon, so there's always something going on."

In February a whole month is dedicated to storytelling. The park tries to host as many diverse programs as possible because people from around the world visit who are interested in the culture of the plains area, which includes parts of Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, the Northwest Territories and portions of the northern United States.

"Anywhere the buffalo travelled in ancient times, the people travelled with them, and this is the area which we try to commemorate."

The park already has much to offer visitors but plans are in the works that will allow it to offer even more, Gamble said.

"It's time to expand, and we are in the process of planning a major upgrade to the tune of $10 million. The new building will feature a gallery that will showcase world-class exhibits which we currently can't show, and visitor amenities such as a gift shop and restaurant." The park is a non-profit organization and will rely on government and corporate funding and an ongoing fundraising campaign to pay for the planned improvements.

More information about park activities is available at www.wanuskewin.com.