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Unique Additions

Have you considered booking an interpretive program or dance performance as part of a coffee break while meeting at Wanuskewin? Our interpretive programs provide hands on experience in First Nations culture and traditions. This unique addition can be arranged at a cost of $60.00 per program with varying costs for dance performances.

As a compliment to your event we can also arrange for:

• Elders and First Nations people to speak on a variety of subjects
• Aboriginal Awareness Education Workshops
• Ceremonial space
• First Nations artisan demonstrations and workshops
• First Nations performers

Some of the programs and/or dance performances you may wish to book are listed below:

Bannock Bake (Pahkwēsikanihkē): Time: 1 hour, add $2.00 per person for material

• Try your hand at cooking bannock over an open fire

Bison Kitchen (Paskwā-Mostōs): Time: 1 hour

• See how every part of the animal was used to provide tools, shelter, weapons, toys and even glue.

Bison Hunt (Macīwin): Time: 45 minutes

• Experience the thrill and skill that accompanied a hunt when you get to try your hand at using the atlatl, a spear thrower, and the bow and arrow

Bison Jump: A Statue Interpretation (Īpinihtawahkak): Time: 30 minutes

• This program introduces participants to the process that First Nations people used on the prairie to bring the bison over the jump.

Bow Drill: Time: 45 minutes

• Learn the principals on how to start a fire and try your hand at fire making using dogwood willow, pine, string , sinew, endurance, strength and patience.

Cultural Awareness Program (Wāskamisiwin): Time: 1 hour

• Learn 4 technological inventions created by First Nations people; learn Cree place names and their meanings. Discuss how the plains First Nations interacted with their environment and their world view. Learn an Aboriginal game, song, dance or story and share it with your friends.

Pow Wow Program (Pwātisimo): Time: 1 hour

• Learn all about traditional dance, its history and meaning….then and now.

Tipi Raising(Mānokawēwin): Time: 45 minutes

• Learn about the values that were associated with each part of the tipi, values that were passed down to the children as they helped sit the tipi up.

A Step Back in Time Walk (Kawi-ocihci): Time: 45 minutes or 1.5 hours this includes the Medicine Wheel

• This interpretive trail walk on the Path of the People trail talks about the history of the Plains First Nations culture and archaeology and Wanuskewin.

Medicine Walk (Kimaskikinawaw): Time: 45 minutes

• This trail walk talks about the medicine of the First Nations people; from medicine that gave relief to the common cold to bug repellant, Wanuskewin’s Opimihaw Valley has it all.

First Nations Technology: Time: 1.5 hours

• Learn the science behind glue, cord making, hide tinning and more. Try your hand using a bow drill to start a fire.

Traditional Games (Mētawēwina): Time: 1 hour

• Learn how Traditional games filled an important role in educating the young be cultivating physical skills and encouraging social development.

Modules: these are designed to provide more in depth information, take longer to complete, and count as two programs.

Archaeology: Time: 2.5 hours and available from May to October 15^th

• How can artifacts people have left behind tell us about the past? Wanuskewin invites visitors to experience the culture and science involved while working a simulated archaeological dig. Learn about First Nations concerns and issues concerning archaeology and the collection and storage of artifacts.

Crafts (add a nominal fee for materials)

 Pottery (Asiskīwiyīkanihkē): Time: 1 hour and add $3.00 per person for materials

• This program is designed to illustrate the history of pottery, and their creation and usesby the Northern Plains peoples. Learn how they were made, why they were made the way they were, and how they were used.

Dream Catcher (Pawamitasoh): Time: 1 hour and add $3.50 per person for materials

• Experience one of the gifts given to the Ojibway First Nations people, which has been adopted by many nations around the world. Learn the purpose and legend of the Dream catcher while learning how to fashion its intriguing design. Take your very own design home as a gift for yourself or someone close to you.

The Center of Life- the Tipi Craft (Mikiwap Pimahacīsowin): Time: 1 hour and add $2.50 per person for materials

• A home is the center of all life. Create an ornamental tipi of willow and canvas, while learning the way of the Plains First Nations people’s home.

Traditional Dance Performances

The Wanuskewin International Dance Troupe focuses on the professional and artistic development of its members by empowering them to explore their individuality in traditional and specialty dance styles. Some dances performed are: Fancy, Grass, Jingle, Hoop, Eagle, Traditional and many more.

The Wanuskewin International Dance Troupe is available to enhance your meeting, retreat, or event with an authentic First Nations cultural experience.

We offer five different dance packages that can be offered on or off site. In addition to our packages, dance presentations can be custom tailored to meet your needs.

Our dance packages available are:

KIHIW (The Hawk)

• 1 First Nations Dancer
• 1 First Nations singer/emcee
• Approx. 30 minute performance

Price: $550.00

MASKWA (The Bear)

• 2 First Nations Dancers
• 2 First Nations singers/drummers
• 1 Commentator/emcee
• Approx. 35-40 minute performance

Price: $1075.00

MAHIHKAN (The Wolf)

• 3 First Nations dancers
• 2 First Nations singers/drummers
• 1 Commentator/emcee
• Approx. 45 minute performance

Price: $1,375.00

PASKWAW-MOSTOS (The Buffalo)

• 5 First Nations dancers
• 1 Drum Group (4-5 First Nations singers)
• 1 Commentator/emcee
• Approx.60 minute performance

Price: $2,275.00

MIKISIW (The Eagle)

• 8 First Nations dancers
• 1 Drum Group (4-5 First Nations singers)
• 1 Commentator/emcee
• Approx. 120 minute performance

Price: $3,025.00

All prices are subject to GST and there may be an additional charge for travel outside of the Saskatoon area.

If there is something specific you are interested in but not listed please call us as we have the ability to customize and create programs/services to meet your specific interest.

Room Bookings
Tel: 306-931-6767
Fax: 306-931-4522
Email: bookings@wanuskewin.com