Heritage Retained - Wanuskewin Heritage Park

There are no entirely clear definitions within the wisdom and knowledge of that which has withstood time as well by way of tradition. It means so many different things to a variety of people.
First Nation traditions, like many indigenous cultures, are based strongly on a natural spirituality, one in which all things are connected and where the mutual respect between the land, animals and the natural world must at all times be adhered to. To upset this balance will mean hard times, both in their environment and in their personal lives and spiritual lives. The First Nation people of the Northern Plains believe their relationship with the natural surroundings, mother earth, is one of the strongest connections that not only connects them to the earth and to their spiritual world, but also provides balance and harmony between these intertwining natural elements. To them, ensuring a good relationship and balance to the earth will mean that life will perpetuate for eternity.
The Cree, Saulteaux, Lakota, Dakota, Nakota, Dene and Blackfoot people of this region made use of every animal that was harvested, making sure no part was wasted. To them, all parts of an animal had a purpose and each part was made use of. From the parts of an animal that were not eaten other purposes were found and utilized. The antlers of big game like bison, moose and deer tools were made into tools like spoons, knives, needles, skin scrappers and other household items. From the tanned hides and furs of animals came clothing and shelter. Raw hides were used for snowshoes, hunting bags and fishing nets. Containers used for storage were made from roots found in the earth, such as the spruce root and birch bark. The First Nations who resided on the Plains did not have the abundant, large trees that flourished in the coastal rain forests.
The Plains region was inhabited by as many as sixty million bison. The bison, the single most important animal in Native life ways, was the primary source of meat in their diet and the primary source of raw material for manufactured goods. When and if the bison hunt was poor then bands secondary source of food was that of elk, moose, deer, and waterfowl. They never killed for sport. They lived life on the grounds as a great people who have never went instinct. They traversed all trails and crossings in pursuit of bison herds. Early fall marked the beginning of the bison hunting season. During the winter season, resources were scarce and the people dispersed to their winter camps. Archaeologists have found evidence of large camps in areas that are rich in resources, near valleys and a source of water.
A single buffalo provided a great amount of meat; bulls averaged 700 kilograms and cows averaged 450 kilograms. First Nations consist of Dene, Saulteaux, Woodland Cree, Plains Cree, Swampy Cree, Nakota, Dakota and Lakota people. Although the names of the province’s First Nation groups are relatively new, their ancestors have lived in Saskatchewan for more than 11,000 years. Historically, Plains First Nations hunted bison, moose, elk and caribou, depending on what was available. Fish and vegetation were also part of their diet. Because of the need to share food in order to ensure the survival of most of the population, Plains First Nations communities formed a consensual political system.
Everyone had to agree before a particular decision was reached. There are now nearing two thousand businesses owned by Bands or individuals of the First Nations. This Heritage Park is funded by a variety of sources and services as a heritage park in which retain the dignity of the people as well as give some education to those of which have never aspired to truly understand the heritage.