Wanuskewin 'Thundering Ahead' to raise $40M

Wanuskewin Heritage Park in Saskatoon officially began its ambitious $40 million fundraising campaign today, aiming to take the ancient and culturally significant site into the future.

Dozens of community leaders gathered at Wanuskewin for the launch of the Thundering Ahead campaign.

The park has identified what it calls "four pillars" to represent renewal.

At the heart of the plan is an effort to return bison to Wanuskewin.

"The bison brought us to this valley and sustained us physically, spiritually and economically," said Saskatoon Tribal Chief Felix Thomas. "Bringing back the bison represents healing for our communities. It will be a significant homecoming."

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In addition, the park has a vision to improve its ability to educate and preserve Indigenous art and culture. The money will also help maintain the ecology and biodiversity of the valleyand be used in efforts to secure United Nations recognition as a World Heritage Site.

In order to receive the UN designation, Wanuskewin needed more land. Last summer, the City of Saskatoon agreed to lease 375 acres of land at a cost of $1 per year for 99 years.