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Ancient Place of Peace on the Prairie

Thousands of years ago, in a valley on the edge of the prairie, the First Peoples found peace in a place they came to call Wanuskewin, a Cree word that loosely translates as "seeking peace of mind" or "living in harmony."

The Wanuskewin area, just three miles north of Saskatoon, was first investigated in modern times by archaeologists from the University of Saskatchewan.

Between 1930 and 1932, they identified a total of 21 archaeological sites at Wanuskewin, all within walking distance of each other. They turned up a wealth of artifacts, from arrowheads to habitation and hunting sites that date back 8,000 years, making them twice as old as King Tut's tomb.

Intensive research continues to this day at Wanuskewin, which was officially designated a protected heritage park in 1992. A rich source of archeological information, the site is today a remarkable window into Canada's ancient past.

Wanuskewin was initially a wintering ground for five Northern Plains tribes of Saskatchewan - the Cree, Nakota, Saulteaux, Dene and Dakota. But it soon became known for both its medicinal plants and its bison hunting. In fact bison bones have been found at four of the 21 archaeological sites.

Like Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump in Alberta, the Wanuskewin region had cliffs over which First Nations hunters would lure their prey. Weakened and injured from the fall, the bison would then be killed, carved up, cooked and consumed right on the spot.
 
In addition to evidence of buffalo jumps, artifacts found at the sprawling 297-acre site include teepee rings, stone cairns, a medicine wheel and prehistoric tools, all of which have helped paint a picture of what life was like here in pre-contact times.

The park's enormous visitor center houses exhibits about the archaeological findings, local traditions and the central role bison played in the lives of the area's earliest human inhabitants. The theater at the visitor center offers an audiovisual presentation that presents an overview of the park and Northern Plains culture, both past and present.

There is also a large amphitheater where First Nations songs and dances are performed. Visitors can even opt to overnight in the onsite "Tipi Village," enjoying traditional foods, learning about the plains bison, listening to storytelling around a campfire and participating in other interpretive activities.

The grounds are laced with five miles of walking trails that link the various archaeological attractions, where researchers are still sifting through the past. Nature lovers might want to bring along their binoculars, as more than 180 bird species and some 35 mammal species have been identified in the area.

Walking these peaceful paths of the past, viewing archaeological findings and digs along the way, you'll begin to understand why Wanuskewin has such meaning for the First Nations of North America.

Getting There:
Wanuskewin Heritage Park is on RR#4 just north of Saskatoon (306-931-6767 or www.wanuskewin.com).

By Air: Air Canada (1-888-247-2262 or www.aircanada.ca), Jazz (1-888-247-2262 or www.flyjazz.ca), Tango (1-800-315-1390 or www.flytango.ca) and WestJet (1-800-538-5696 or www.westjet.com) serve Saskatoon from many Canadian cities.

By Land: Via Rail (1-888-842-7245 or www.viarail.ca) and Greyhound (1-800-661-8747 or www.greyhound.ca) serve Saskatoon.

Information Tourism Saskatchewan: 1-877-237-2273 or www.sasktourism.com