SIGA presents 50000 donation to Wanuskewin Heritage Park

Press Release

February 15, 2024

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.

-30-

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

IBF4