Wanuskewin
About
For thousands of years, Wanuskewin Heritage Park has been a gathering place for Indigenous peoples of the Northern Plains. Today, as one of Canada’s premier cultural destinations, Wanuskewin continues to be a gathering place where over 40,000 annual visitors come to celebrate, learn about, and immerse themselves in First Nations and Métis culture.
Objective
A $40 capital campaign to revitalize the historic and sacred site with renewed trails, upgraded interpretive centre, expanded art gallery and exhibitions, enhanced cultural and educational programming, research labs, site improvements, and returning the bison to the lands.
Result
September 2020, grand re-opening reveals a newly revitalized Wanuskewin Heritage Park
December 2019, a herd of 11 bison were reintroduced to the lands
April 2020, the first baby bison in more than 150 years was born on Wanuskewin land
November 2021, bison help to uncover a rare 1000-year-old petroglyph and carving tool
Wanuskewin continues to work toward UNESCO designation
$ GOAL: $40M
$ RAISED: $43M
Key Elements/ Highlights:
$12M Anonymous lead gift, followed by a $5M lead gift from The Brownlee Family Foundation
Co-chairs Wayne Brownlee and Chief Felix Thomas led a visionary team of volunteers
Dr. Ernie Walker provided immense leadership and guidance
Signed a 99-year lease with the City of Saskatoon