Investing in the Growth and Renewal of Wanuskewin Heritage Park

The Government of Canada supports Wanuskewin Heritage Park's major infrastructure project

SASKATOON, Sept. 13, 2017 /CNW/ - Sean Casey, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage, today announced funding of $2,525,415 for the renewal of Wanuskewin Heritage Park in Saskatoon. Mr. Casey made this announcement on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage.

This funding, provided by the Government of Canada through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund, will allow the organization to build new facilities and enhance existing ones. This will include the addition of an educational facility and a contemporary Indigenous art gallery. The project will also see interpretive and educational programming elevated to international standards.

Quotes

"Our Government is proud to support projects that allow Canadians to learn about and embrace Indigenous history, culture and art, particularly in this time of reconciliation. We are proud to make significant investments in cultural infrastructure and to support organizations that provide Canadians with meaningful opportunities to enjoy our arts and heritage."

?The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage

"Wanuskewin Heritage Park tells such an important story?that of the Northern Plains Indigenous Peoples. This part of Canada's history needs to be preserved, shared and celebrated. The expansion and renewal of the interpretive centre and other facilities at Wanuskewin Heritage Park will help ensure that this continues."

?Sean Casey, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage

"Wanuskewin is a special place that connects people today with the relationship that Indigenous people have had with this land for millenia. The City of Saskatoon is proud to play a part in the renewed vision for Wanuskewin, ensuring it continues to be a place for gathering, community celebration and learning."

?Charlie Clarke, Mayor of Saskatoon

"Wanuskewin Heritage Park is delighted to accept this generous contribution from the Department of Canadian Heritage. Wanuskewin plays an important role in our community as an incubator and venue for Indigenous performing artists, visual artists, cultural displays and interpretive galleries. These funds will allow Wanuskewin to provide dedicated spaces to artists, learners, children and visitors. We are so grateful to be able to improve our infrastructure that will ultimately house the pursuit of knowledge, interaction with stories past and the many interpretations of how people have interacted with Wanuskewin through archaeology, ethnography, traditional knowledge, visual culture, pre-contact history and contemporary narratives."

?Candace Wasacase-Lafferty, Chair, Board of Directors, Wanuskewin Heritage Park

Quick Facts

Wanuskewin Heritage Park showcases the interpretation of Northern Plains First Nations culture. Located a few kilometres north of Saskatoon on Treaty 6 territory, its site has been a gathering place for the Indigenous Peoples of the Northern Plains for thousands of years. It is a significant archaeological asset, with finds dating back as far as 6,400 years ago. Excavation has been taking place for 36 years.

Wanuskewin Heritage Park currently includes a visitor centre, an art gallery and interpretive walking trails. It offers enriched educational programs. It receives 40,000 visitors each year, about one third of whom are school-aged children from across Saskatchewan, including a large number from Indigenous and ethno-cultural communities.

The Park's mandate is to be a global centre of excellence in fostering education and respect for the land based on expressions of Indigenous culture, heritage and arts.

This project focuses on Phase 1 of the renewal of Wanuskewin Heritage Park. This phase consists of building an addition to the interpretive centre to include a contemporary Indigenous Art Gallery that meets current museum standards, a Great Hall and the Wanuskewin Institute, all of which will be universally accessible.

Associated Links

Wanuskewin Heritage Park (English only) 
Canada Cultural Spaces Fund

SOURCE Canadian Heritage