Wanuskewin Heritage Park sits above Opimihaw Creek and the South Saskatchewan River near Saskatoon — a window into a part of Canada’s history that remains largely undiscovered, and a link to our past unlike any other National Historic Site in Canada. Wanuskewin’s uniqueness is not just the fact that there exists evidence of ancient peoples, but rather the composition of many different aspects of habitation, hunting and gathering, and spirituality — all in one place.

The Wanuskewin area contains some of the most exciting archaeological finds in North America, many of which pre-date the pyramids of Egypt. To date, 19 PreContact archaeological dig sites have been identified on the terraces and point bars in the Opimihaw Creek valley bottom or coulee depressions along the valley wall of the South Saskatchewan River. As soon as the Opimihaw Creek valley became available for human occupation 6,000 years ago, virtually every Pre-Contact cultural group recognized across the Great Plains visited this location. The result is a remarkable complete and intact record of cultural development in the region over that time span. The archaeological resources of Wanuskewin are exceptional and among the finest examples of Pre-Contact occupation of the Great Plains of North America.

Indigenous peoples of the Northern Plains came to the Opimihaw Creek area year-after-year, following the bison and range animals who provided sustenance, and gathering plants of the prairies. Their way of life evolved to suit their unique environment. Wanuskewin today gives us the opportunity to delve into the past and discover what life was like for these nomadic hunter-gatherer peoples. The theme of Wanuskewin Heritage Park is one of interpretation – exploring and explaining the meaning of Plains cultures to gain a better understanding of ourselves, Saskatchewan’s Indigenous peoples, and our common heritage.

When Treaty Six was signed in 1876, occupation of Wanuskewin by First Nations peoples ended. The first homesteads were established in 1902-1903 and the first settlers arrived at Wanuskewin. In 1979, world-renowned architect Raymond Moriyama was commissioned by the City of Saskatoon to develop a 100-year Master Plan for the Meewasin Valley Authority. Moriyama visited Wanuskewin at this time and incorporated the property and its rich history into the plan. In the early 1980s, Dr. Ernie Walker, Department of Anthropology and Archaeology at the University of Saskatchewan further identified the area as an archaeological marvel, and began the process of developing Wanuskewin as a means to protect it. A special debt of gratitude is owed to the Penner and Vitkowski families who owned and preserved the land for more than 40 years, allowing careful archaeological exploration and committed to the long-term protection of the area.

In partnership with the Meewasin Valley Authority and the City of Saskatoon, Wanuskewin Heritage Park became a Provincial Heritage Property in 1983. In 1987, Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II declared it a National Historic Site, and in 1992 the Interpretive Centre and trails were opened to the public.

BISON BACK

Nearly 150 years ago, Plains bison disappeared from this land. In December of 2019, Wanuskewin was thrilled to partner with Parks Canada to welcome them home, through ceremonies led by Elder Cy Standing and members of the Wahpeton Dakota Nation. Six female calves from Grasslands National Park established the herd at Wanuskewin. Shortly thereafter, we welcomed an additional five animals from the United States. A mature bull and four pregnant female bison joined the Grasslands herd. Our American cousins have ancestral ties to Yellowstone National Park, and have ensured that Wanuskewin’s bison are diverse and healthy, pure Plains bison. We are looking forward to welcoming the first baby bison calves in spring 2020.

Wanuskewin’s bison are a conservation herd. The grasslands of North America are one of the most endangered biomes in the world. By introducing bison back to the land, we are able to help restore native grasses and create habitat for an animal who was all but extinct in the late 1800s. It is our aim to restore this land back to balance where the animals, grasslands, human populations and spirit are whole again.

With the return of the bison, we are excited to share cultural knowledge, specialized programming, ceremonies and thoughtful discussion.

We welcome you to Wanuskewin to witness the iconic keystone species of the Great Plains, and the share in the growth of this herd with your family for years to come.

This important cultural, social and environmental initiative is possible thanks to the visionary leadership and generous donation by the Brownlee Family Foundation.