The Wanuskewin Heritage Park lies on the northern outskirts of Saskatoon. This 360 acre national historic site boasts an award-winning cultural interpretive centre set atop a majestic landscape of historical significance. The Northern Plains Indians have gathered at this location, perched above the jagged Opimihaw Creek valley carved out of the prairie, for over 6,000 years. Here they met and mingled, gathered prairie plants, and hunted the great plains bison that sustained their peoples and cultures for millennia. Today they celebrate this bison heritage by honouring this magnificent animal in numerous ways. A life-sized mounted buffalo and sculptures are surrounded by huge canvases depicting the hunt as well as historic photos of the various First Nations men, women and children. A topographical feature encapsulates the majestic landscape, valley and the ‘buffalo jumps’ - the final destination for the cross-prairies ‘buffalo drive’. Our group was able to catch a glimpse of Northern Plains culture and gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of their rich heritage by witnessing live demonstrations, numerous art galleries showcasing impressive creative talent, and experiencing some of its mystique by walking about its trails. The seven First Nations that reside in Saskatchewan are: Tansi (Cree), Aninskwa (Saulteaux), Edlanete (Dene), doken ya un (Dakota), Toki I ya un (Nakota), toked ya un (Lakota), Oki (Blackfoot), and Hello (English).
The optional overnight field trip on June 24 was indeed an outdoor adventure as Gord Vaadeland, of the Sturgeon River Plains Bison Stewards and a Director of PAMF, led a horseback and wagon expedition into Prince Albert National Park to view Canada’s only free ranging herd of Plains bison still living within its historic range. As luck would have it onlookers were delighted to come upon a herd and witness them in their natural habitat. That evening, Gord and his entourage treated everyone to a Swedish feast in celebration of the Scandanavian Mid-Summers Eve. Many thanks to Gord, his family and colleagues, and the Prince Albert Model Forest for organizing such a memorable excursion!
