Park celebrates 6,000 years of Aboriginal history

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Just a few minutes north of Saskatoon, where the South Saskatchewan River and the Opimihaw Creek meet, is the Wanuskewin Heritage Park. This was a camping, hunting and meeting site used by the Aboriginal people of the northern Plains for more than 6,000 years. It is now home to one of the most important archeological sites in the world, as well as a visitor's centre, life-size sculptures of buffalo and hunters and walking trails.

Wanuskewin is a Cree word that means "seeking piece of mind" or "living in harmony." The park's visitor's centre recreates the Plains Indian life of the past. The life-size sculptures are placed along a path where the buffalo where driven over a cliff.

There are about eight kilometres of walking trails at the park that will lead visitors past archeological digs. Visitors can watch archeologists at work and discuss their discoveries with them.

There are other demonstrations and activities such as hide tanning, bannock making, throwing a spear-like atlatl and making stone tools from flint.

An amphitheatre that can seat 500 people is next to the visitor's centre which presents traditional singing and dancing performances, as well as storytelling and other cultural presentations.

Overnight camping is available for adults, families and larger groups, plus there is the opportunity to sleep in tipis and experience traditional storytelling and outdoor cooking. This is designed to let visitors experience the life skills of the northern Plains.

There is also a restaurant and a gift shop.

The park is open during the summer from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. The park will host the Saskatoon Powwow from May 31 to June 1, which will feature over 600 dancers. The overnight Tipi Village Camp begins on June 1. Wanuskewin's 5th Anniversary Celebrations will begin June 27. July 13 to July 19 is Wanuskewin's Festival Week, which will culminate with the park's First Annual Aboriginal Music Festival. Headlining the music festival will be North of 60 star, Tom Jackson, but will also feature other acts, such as Chester Knight and the Wind.

The Family Bison Barbecue will be held on Aug. 23. From Aug. 30 to Sept. 7 Wanuskewin will feature the Season of Gathering which will depict the gathering of supplies for the winter months.

If you want more information call (306) 931-6767.