Jul 3, 2024
PrairiesCan Announces Funding for Wanuskewin
PrairiesCan Provides Significant Funding for Wanuskewin’s Key Initiatives.
Wanuskewin Heritage Park is a National Historic Site that has been a gathering place for all nations for at least 6,400 years. Wanuskewin is a place to meet, share and learn through nature, history and each other. People of all ages can access programs, from Saskatchewan curriculum based for children, land-based learning, public engagement, art exhibits, museum exhibits, bison walks, cultural performances, meeting rooms & Indigenous themed catering.
In partnership with the Government of Canada, and with additional support from Tourism Saskatchewan, WHP continues to bolster Indigenous programming and make equipment upgrades and site improvements that improve safety and the overall visitor experience. A new investment of $250,000 under the Tourism Growth Program through PrairiesCan is helping Wanuskewin construct an artefact storage compound, improve the accessibility of the trails, establish and market a docent program, hire an event-planning consultant, and install a mobile phone boosting system. With this support, WHP continues to build long term, sustainable authentic Indigenous programing in a functional, modern, and safe tourism facility that has a long track record of excellence.
Most significantly, an artefact storage compound will return our artefacts to the land they were excavated from, fulfilling a promise to elders, and creating an opportunity to re-engage with this collection from an Indigenous perspective. Other improvements include:
- Purchase of a snowmobile and 6-passenger golf cart to enhance tours around our expanded facility, and increase safety and accessibility for all visitors.
- The addition of a cell phone boosting system.
- Enhancement of online educational videos to enhance and broaden the visitor & corporate client experience.
- Bolstered communications plan for expert volunteers.
- Add more consultant and facilitator support for more events and community engagement activity.
- Add important infrastructure to our ceremonial site.
“Saskatchewan’s historic culture and natural beauty is well represented at Wanuskewin as they host visitors from near and far. Our government is proud to invest in the further growth and development of this site, while stimulating economic growth and promoting Indigenous history, and highlighting Saskatchewan and the Prairies as a world-class tourism destination.”
- The Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister for PrairiesCan.
“Indigenous tourism has the power to create opportunities, transform Canadian tourism and advance reconciliation. Through the Tourism Growth Program, the Government of Canada is supporting Indigenous organizations like Wanuskewin to realize their full potential. As we continue to invest in the region’s tourism industry, we also aim to welcome more domestic and international visitors.”
– The Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec