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Step back in time with one of our interpretive guides on the Path of the People. This walk incorporates the archaeological story of Wanuskewin and will give you a glimpse of what life was like on the prairie long ago.
*Outdoors – Year Round – 45 minutes – 1 hour – All Ages
Imagine having all the medicine you needed right outside of your tipi door! This trail walk introduces participants to the medicines of First Nations people. From medicine that gave relief to the common cold or acted as a bug repellent, the Opimihaw Valley has it all!
*Outdoors – May – Oct – 45 minutes – 1 hour – All Ages
Join one of our Archaeology Guides and explore the Trail of Discovery. Learn about the formation of the Opimihaw Valley, the history and science behind Archaeology, and see some locations of the dig sites that have been active in past years.
*Outdoors – Year Round – 45 minutes – 1 hour – All Ages
Explore more of Wanuskewin’s trails in a full interpretive program that takes you from the sculptures to the medicine wheel. This walk truly showcases the full Opimihaw Valley more in depth, and the stories the site holds.
*Outdoors – Year Round (weather permitting) – 2 hours – All Ages
Enjoy one of Wanuskewin’s most popular programs! Learn how the Plains Cree traditionally set up their homes with a tipi demonstration. This hands-on program discusses the practical purpose of each tipi pole and the associated meanings that each pole represents for each stage of life. Come and try it yourself!
*Indoors and Outdoors – Available year round – 45 minutes – 1 hour – All Ages
Traditional games provided the teachings and skill development required for survival on the Northern Plains. The traditional hunter-gatherer lifestyle was incredibly demanding and required superb levels of physical fitness. Come learn how games played an important role in educating the young by developing physical skills and encouraging social development.
*Indoors and Outdoors – Available year round – 45 minutes – 1 hour – Adaptable for All Ages
Millions of bison once roamed the Central and Northern Plains, and First Nations peoples depended upon them for survival. Learn about the bison, its place in the centre of Plains cultures, and how it was processed for food. Understand and see examples of how every part of the bison was used to provide food, tools, shelter, weapons, toys, and even glue.
*Indoors and Outdoors – Available year round – 45 minutes – 1 hour – Suited for Grade 4 – Adult
Learn about Indigenous peoples and culture through storytelling, dancing, and hands-on activities. Students will learn some Cree words and their meanings. This program discusses Plains First Nation worldviews, their social and cultural activities, and how they interacted with their environment.
*Indoors – Available year round – 45 minutes – 1 hour – Pre-K – Grade 3 (Adaptable for All Ages)
Wanuskewin Galleries showcase the work of contemporary and traditional Indigenous artists whose practices and productions connect to the natural, cultural, and socio-political histories, challenges, and future of the Northern Plains. The Galleries are venues for professional artists and curators who focus on Indigenous historical, traditional and contemporary art. Join an interpreter for a tour of the Gallery spaces and building at Wanuskewin, and learn more about the current exhibits and history of the site.
*Indoors and Outdoors – Available year round – 30-45 minutes – Adaptable for All Ages*
Over 200 years ago bison roamed the prairies by the millions and were the single most important animal to First Nations peoples in this area. Students will explore the site, and experience the thrill and skill that accompanied a hunt as they try their hand at using the atlatl (spear-thrower), the bow and arrow, and other techniques.
*Outdoors – May – Oct – 2 hours – Suited for Grade 5 – Adult
Explore more of Wanuskewin’s trails in a full interpretive program that takes you from the sculptures to the medicine wheel. This walk truly showcases the full Opimihaw Valley more in depth, and the stories the site holds.
*Outdoors – Year Round (weather permitting) – 2 hours – All Ages
Experience one of the gifts given to the Ojibway People, adopted by many nations around the world. Learn the purpose and legend of the dream catcher while learning how to fashion its intriguing design. Take your very own design home as a gift for yourself or someone close to you.
*Indoors – Available year round – 1.5 hours – Grade 5 to Adult ($3.50 per person for material fee)
A home is the centre of all life. Create an ornamental canvas tipi while learning about this iconic Plains First Nations home. Discover the tipi’s history and its importance, how it was made and transported, and learn about the contributions men and women made to create a healthy, happy home.
*Indoors – Available year round – 1 hour – Pre-K to Grade 4, but suitable for all ages ($2.50 per person for material fee)
This program is designed to illustrate the history of pottery and its use by Northern Plains First Nations peoples. Participants will learn how pots were made, why they were made the way they
were and how they were used. The information will be presented informally while the students are making their pots.
*Indoors – Available year round – 1 hour – All Ages ($3.00 per person for material fee)
Students will be amazed when they learn about the history of bannock, its Scottish roots, and its place in First Nations communities today. Participants will also have the opportunity to try their hand at cooking bannock over a fire. (CANCELED IF A FIRE BAN IN EFFECT)
*Outdoors – Available year round – 1 hour – Grade 3 to Adult ($3.75 per person for material fee)
An outreach program, Puppet Tales tell traditional stories about Plains Indigenous culture. A puppet show presentation will engage children in learning about dancing, animals, traditions, and other stories of the Plains.
*Indoor outreach program – November to March *Best suited for Pre-K – Grade 4
Learn all about the fur trade and how the First Nations and Metis people traded and survived in the wilderness. This educational session ends with a fun and exciting relay race on snowshoes that turns you into the Voyageur!
*Outdoors winter only – weather permitting (snow is required) – January to March *Best suited for Grade 5 and up
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Centre of Life Tipi Craft (see description and info above; additional $2.50 per person material fee) *Maximum 30 students per session
Dream Catcher Craft (see description and info above; additional $3.50 per person material fee) *Maximum 30 students per session
First Nations Technology: The Bison (descriptions in regular programming above) *Maximum 30 students per session
Traditional Games (descriptions in regular programming above) *Maximum 30 students per session
Cultural Awareness (descriptions in regular programming above) *Maximum 30 students per session
Puppet Tales (descriptions in regular programming above) *Maximum 30 students per session
Voyageur Games (descriptions in regular programming above) *Maximum 30 students per session
If you would like to book a traditional dancer with your program as well, for a 45 minute interactive performance afterward, we can add this to your booking for an additional cost! Let our tour coordinator know when you book your visit!
