Identity area
Type of entity
Corporate body
Authorized form of name
Wanuskewin Heritage Park
Parallel form(s) of name
- Wanuskewin Heritage Park Authority
Standardized form(s) of name according to other rules
Other form(s) of name
- WHP
Identifiers for corporate bodies
Description area
Dates of existence
1983-
History
Wanuskewin Heritage Park (WHP) is a non-for-profit, charitable organization governed by a volunteer Board of Directors that consists of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous members. Six Directors are appointees representing municipal, provincial and federal governments, the University of Saskatchewan, the Meewasin Valley Authority and Federation of Saskatchewan Indigenous Nations. Up to seven more directors are appointed by WHP. WHP is a stand-alone entity under provincial government legislation as per the Wanuskewin Heritage Park Act, 1997. WHP has an Elder's Council that consists of representatives of the Indigenous cultures of Saskatchewan. The Elder’s council ensures that the direction, planning and continuity of Wanuskewin are aligned with oral tradition and authentic Indigenous cultural heritage. The WHP Board of Directors select a Chief Executive Officer responsible for the overall management and operation of the park.
WHP was purchased by the Meewasin Valley Authority in 1983. In 1984, the Province of Saskatchewan designated it a Provincial Heritage Property and in 1986 the Government of Canada designated it a National Historic Site. In June 1992, the Visitor Centre and trails were opened to the public and on June 27, 1992 the deed of land was officially transferred to WHP.