Wanuskewin

High above Opimihaw Creek and the mighty South Saskatchewan River near Saskatoon, Wanuskewin Heritage Park is a window into Canadian history that remains largely undiscovered. It’s a link to our past unlike any other National Historic Site in the country.

Wanuskewin has been a gathering place for the Indigenous peoples of the Northern Plains for thousands of years. For generations, people have been drawn to this valley to hunt bison, gather food and herbs and seek shelter from the harsh winter winds.

Today, people continue to gather here as a living reminder of our sacred relationship to the land. They come to share stories and teachings at sweats, pipe ceremonies and powwows. They come to celebrate First Nations and Métis heritage and to learn about our shared past. They come to experience the peace and tranquility of this ancient place.

Mission: To advance the understanding and appreciation of the evolving cultures of the Northern Plains Indigenous peoples.

Vision: Wanuskewin will be the living reminder of the peoples’ sacred relationship with the land.

Mission: To advance the understanding and appreciation of the evolving cultures of the Northern Plains Indigenous peoples.

Vision: Wanuskewin will be the living reminder of the peoples’ sacred relationship with the land.

A National Treasure

Wanuskewin Heritage Park is an archaeological goldmine, rich in sites that tell the story of early life in the Opimihaw Creek Valley, with finds in the area taking us as far back as 6,000 years. Multiple bison jumps, tipi ring sites, and a medicine wheel boulder alignment are a remarkable testimony to the traditions of Canada’s first people, who came here year after year for millennia. Before bison, they hunted mammoths, camels and other animals now disappeared from the Canadian prairies.

Intermittent flooding and the conservation efforts of the 20th century have preserved Wanuskewin to an unparalleled degree – the archaeological finds of Wanuskewin are some of the greatest examples of Pre-Contact occupation of the Northern Plains in North America.

Stretching over three decades, Wanuskewin is Canada’s longest-running archaeological dig. Many of its stories have yet to be uncovered. Famed archaeologist Dr. Ernie Walker and his fellow researchers have been unearthing treasures since the 1970s and continue to do so today.

For all Canadians

The history of the people of the Great Plains – the history of Canada, the history of our first settlements – is waiting to be discovered.

Scenic trails, active archaeological digs and interpretive sites are spread across the Park’s 360 acres – unlike any other place in Canada, you can see it all at Wanuskewin. Trained guides offer educational indoor and outdoor programs to students and other groups, including tipi raisings, interpretive walks, bannock bakes, fire making, traditional games and much more.

Wanuskewin is poised
to host the world …

For all Canadians

The history of the people of the Great Plains – the history of Canada, the history of our first settlements – is waiting to be discovered.

Scenic trails, active archaeological digs and interpretive sites are spread across the Park’s 360 acres – unlike any other place in Canada, you can see it all at Wanuskewin. Trained guides offer educational indoor and outdoor programs to students and other groups, including tipi raisings, interpretive walks, bannock bakes, fire making, traditional games and much more.

Wanuskewin is poised
to host the world …