Summer 2012 marks 20 years of operation for Wanuskewin
Special Events and Programs Planned for the Summer at Wanuskewin Heritage Park


By Ryan Moccasin for Indigenous Times Newspaper

A new season of cultural programs and events is just around the corner for Wanuskewin Heritage Park.  The park has been in operation for 20 years and the staff is currently preparing for the busy summer months ahead of them.  A very long time ago it was a different group of people emerging from the long winter months.  That group of people was the Plains Cree, and they lived and hunted around Opimihaw Valley, which is now the site where Wanuskewin Heritage Park offers visitors a glimpse into the past.

“This summer marks our 20th year in operation, so there will be a number of wonderful celebrations to mark the occasion.  Right now we are planning events for National Aboriginal Day, which is on June 21st,” said Cheryl Hoftyzer, a Senior Interpretive Guide at Wanuskewin Heritage Park.

Last year the park offered a wide selection of programs and events for the visitors during the summer months.  The staff accommodated many groups from around the country, and they are expecting many more this year.  The daily activities will include a guided trail walk, dance performance, and a cultural education program.

“Beginning on May 24th the park will have extended hours from 9am to 6pm daily.  We are also gearing for having more interpreters available throughout the summer so we can accommodate the increasing number of visitors,” said Cheryl.

Summer is a very busy season for the tourism industry in Saskatchewan, and Wanuskewin will be prepared by hiring more staff to keep up with demand.  The staff assist in interpreting and presenting programs for the visitors, which include the Bannock Bake, Tipi Teachings, First Nations Technology, and even the chance to sleep in a tipi for a night.  The market that Wanuskewin focuses on is primarily tourists, general visitors, school groups, seniors, meeting room patrons and conference groups.

“Visitors can stay up to date on Wanuskewin by visiting our website, or checking out our Facebook page and following us on Twitter.  Also, give us a call before you plan your visit and we will provide details of the events for the week,” said Cheryl.  Wanuskewin Heritage Park is open every day of the week and can be reached at (306) 931-6767.

A Traditional Design That Has Stood the Test of Time

Waterhen Lake Students to take Science Project to Nationals

By Armand LaPlante for Indigenous Times Newspaper

Two bright young Aboriginal high school students from Waterhen Lake First Nation will be making their way to the Canada-Wide Science Fair this May in Prince Edward Island. 

As part of Aboriginal Achievement week at the U of S, Jamison Witchekan and Andrew Abraham were invited by a college of Engineering rep to present their science project to a room full of university students, professors and Science consultants. Their project, which displayed the heading: “The Traditions of the Canoe”, drew comparisons between traditional designs of the canoe and their continued implementations in technology of today. The presentation itself was very intricate and included many interesting examples of how the traditional design of canoes has “stood the test of time.”

Elizabeth Conner, Program Administrator for Cameco Access Program for Engineering & Science, invited the two to present during Aboriginal Achievement Week after being drawn visually to their presentation and realizing that this was a good demonstration of the relation between engineering and traditional Aboriginal knowledge. “The guys were so enthusiastic about it; they were excited about the topic. It’s great to see two young men really interested in science; I know Jamison is really interested in mechanical engineering and Andrew is really interested in computer science” states Conner.

After the presentation, the two youth were available to explain further and answer questions, but also ask questions. Both understood the prestige of the Canada-Wide Science Fair and were taking advice in order to fine-tune their presentation before heading to PEI in May.