Member Statement (30 March 2022)

From Hansard (30 March 2022)

 

Wanuskewin Heritage Park Recognized with Global Vision Award

Mr. Jenson: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker, it’s no secret to us in Saskatchewan that Saskatchewan is home to some of Canada’s greatest travel experiences. Today I’m honoured to rise in the House and recognize Wanuskewin Heritage Park. Mr. Speaker, Wanuskewin has won a 2022 Travel + Leisure Global Vision Award. These awards honour the top 33 companies, individuals, and destinations from around the world with an emphasis on sustainable travel products, practices, and experiences.

For thousands of years the Indigenous peoples of the northern Great Plains followed bison all the way up the South Saskatchewan River. At Wanuskewin, which is Cree for “seeking spiritual peace,” they hunted, trapped, camped, and feasted for generations.

An important step toward the restoration of this sacred place came in 2019 when bison were brought back to the plains of Wanuskewin for the first time since the mid-1800s. Six of these bison were transplanted from Saskatchewan’s Grasslands National Park and five from the US [United States].

Mr. Speaker, today Wanuskewin is a 741-acre nature preserve and cultural complex that tells the story of the land and its inhabitants through the art and archaeological displays. The restaurant serves contemporary spins on Indigenous dishes, wild rice burgers, for example, or fritters made from the three sisters — beans, corn, and squash.

On behalf of the Government of Saskatchewan, congratulations to Wanuskewin and their team on this well-deserved recognition. Thank you.

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