New tepee experience in the Wanuskewin Heritage Park
Set in the Wanuskewin Heritage Park, near the South Saskatchewan River, lies the window onto Canada’s history and a link to the past that should never be forgotten. A unique park in Canada, Wanuskewin is not only about the existence of the ancient inhabitants of the country, but about all the aspects of their lives, from hunting and gathering to their homes and spirituality.
Come and spend the night at Wanuskewin
Known as the “Pe kapaysik Miykowapi” (Come and Spend the Night) experience, the newest program in Wanuskewin has been opened to the public, to allow them to better experience the ancient history and culture of the original people of Canada. The new program opened in May of 2017 and ran until September when all visitors to the site could spend the night in an authentic traditional tepee.
Bread baked on the campfire
The tepees were set up in the Opimihaw Valley, which is on the grounds of the park, and the visitors were able to fully experience the way of life of the northern Canadian Prairie Indians. The guests at the site were treated to some of the ancient people’s normal daily routines, such as spending the evenings together around a campfire, where they would bake the traditional indigenous bread, now known as Bannock, which would be eaten while telling stories of their travels and experiences, and of their ancestors.
Additional activities are included
Every overnight stay in the park is accompanied by other activities that are included in the admission fee. Visitors can select from a list of program activities, which include guided walks around the area, showing the plants and herbs used in the traditional Indian remedies for sickness and other ailments.
The site is six thousand years old
Wanuskewin Heritage Park is set at the confluence of the South Saskatchewan River and the Opimihaw Creek, several miles north of Saskatoon, near the ancient camping grounds of the Prairie Indians. The site is the ancient gathering ground of the Prairie Indians, from where they would go hunting and gathering, to feed their growing tribes. Archaeologists have shown from relics that were recovered from the site, that the Prairie Indians used the Opimihaw Valley for more than 6,000 years.
Experienced descendants are tour guides
The tours in the park and all the experiences are handled and guided by the living descendants of the ancient tribes, who take visitors on a journey back in time to the days when their ancestors ruled the lands.
Other exhibits at the site include traditional dance performances, Indian art exhibitions showing the traditional hand paintings of the tribes, and several hands-on exhibits that allow people to get up close and personal with the ancient peoples’ way of life.
Archaeological work is still going on
The heritage park is also home to one of the best indigenous restaurants in Canada, with traditional Prairie Indian food being served during the peak open season. All the food is created and served by descendants of the original indigenous tribes. Covering a massive 145 hectares of national parkland, Wanuskewin National Heritage Park is one of the premier National Historic Sites of Canada and is still undergoing archaeological excavations, where they are constantly uncovering new aspects of this ancient people, and their ways of life.
