15 Feb SIGA presents 50000 donation to Wanuskewin Heritage Park
For Immediate Release
February 15, 2024
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
Saskatoon, SK – Today, the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) presented a donation of $50,000 to Wanuskewin Heritage Park in support of its UNESCO Ready Campaign.
SIGA President & CEO Zane Hansen – “For more than two decades, SIGA has been a long-standing community partner with Wanuskewin Heritage Park. The work Wanuskewin is doing is invaluable in preserving and celebrating our First Nation culture and history. One of SIGA’s guiding principles is Miskâsowin which signifies the value of finding one’s sense of origin and belonging. This value speaks to instilling a sense of pride in ourselves and our province’s First Nations’ heritage. We are more than pleased to announce $50,000 in funding to help Wanuskewin be recognized on the world stage as a UNESCO World Heritage designated site.”
Darlene Brander CEO of Wanuskewin Heritage Park “We are humbled to receive this support from SIGA whose generosity and commitment to our community is shown once again today. The incredible funding that has been dedicated today, will go towards a number of cultural initiatives such as traditional dancers, singers and ceremony, all of which are central to who we are and what we do at Wanuskewin, and will help us in achieving our long-term goal of a UNESCO World Heritage designation.”
Felix Thomas Board Chair of Wanuskewin Heritage Park “Making an investment into our UNESCO bid, is an investment in or shared future. I am proud to see our two organizations working together to preserve these cultural spaces and welcome guests from around the world to share in our Indigenous Culture and Heritage.”
About the UNESCO Ready Campaign:
Wanuskewin is currently on a journey to become Saskatchewan’s 1st UNESCO World Heritage Site and only the 23rd in Canada – this announcement is projected for the summer of 2026. Along with the long and complicated application process, Wanuskewin must show the adjudication committee that we have strong cultural programming in place that is adequately resourced. This partnership with SIGA ensures Wanuskewin can continue to develop world class programming with local Indigenous talent. To date, Wanuskewin Heritage Park has raised $7.6 million out of its $12.1 million goal, thanks to community and National supporters.
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For more information or to set up further interviews, please contact:
Alanna Adamko, Director of Communications & Media Relations – SIGA
306-477-7575
alanna.adamko@siga.sk.ca
Andrew McDonald, Director of Marketing and Communications – Wanuskewin
639-638-8487
marketing@wanuskewin.com
About the Organizations:
Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA)
SIGA operates seven casinos and the online gaming site PlayNow.com in Saskatchewan. Casinos include Dakota Dunes Resort & Casino on Whitecap Dakota First Nation near Saskatoon, the Northern Lights Casino on the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation in Prince Albert, Gold Eagle Casino on the Mosquito First Nation in North Battleford, Living Sky Casino on the Nekaneet First Nation in Swift Current, the Painted Hand Casino on the Kahkewistahaw First Nation in Yorkton, the Bear Claw Casino on the White Bear First Nation near Carlyle and Gold Horse Casino on Little Pine Cree Nation in Lloydminster. To learn more visit SIGA.CA.
Wanuskewin Heritage Park
For over 6,000 years, every First Nation from the Northern Plains has gathered at Wanuskewin for hunting, trade, and ceremony. Today the site remains a gathering place as we showcase both traditional and contemporary Indigenous cultures with immersive programming and experiences. Wanuskewin has recently expanded and renovated our facilities, and now features a herd of Plains Bison, state-of-the-art cultural exhibits, art galleries, archaeology programs, premium outdoor dining experiences, traditional dancers, and exceptional interpretation.
*2016, 2019, and 2023 Winner TIAC Top Indigenous Tourism Destination*
*2022 Hospitality Saskatchewan Hall of Fame*
*2017 UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List*
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