More than 1,400 people attended last year’s event on September 30th.
Current road construction in the area may create additional congestion for both event attendees and regular commuters. Motorists should expect increased traffic on Wanuskewin Road and Millar Avenue. A temporary stop sign will also be in place for northbound traffic along Wanuskewin Road at the junction with Millar Avenue to help facilitate travelling toward the city and away from the event.
Here is some advice for those planning to attend Wednesday’s gathering at Wanuskewin:
- CARPOOL IF POSSIBLE
- Parking at Wanuskewin will be limited. We strongly encourage visitors to carpool where possible.
- CONSIDER MILLAR AVENUE
- Millar Avenue is an alternative route for accessing and leaving the area.
- The City of Saskatoon will be running a grader on Millar ahead of the 30th to even out the gravel.
- SOUTHBOUND HIGHWAY 11: STAY IN THE RIGHT LANE
- Southbound Highway 11 traffic should remain in the right lane. Temporary visual message boards will advise drivers to “STAY IN RIGHT LANE” as event traffic merges.
- PLAN YOUR ROUTE HOME
- Visitors leaving Wanuskewin are encouraged to consider Millar Avenue as an alternate route back toward Saskatoon.
- Depending on their destination and traffic conditions, drivers may also consider turning right onto Highway 11 north, travelling north before turning around and using an alternate route back toward the city.
- SLOW DOWN AND BE PATIENT
- We are asking everyone travelling through the area to allow extra time, follow posted signage, slow down and be patient.
The opening ceremonies begin at 10:00AM, and will feature the following speakers:
Welcome and Greetings from Wanuskewin – Jenaya Chutskoff, CEO and Emcee for Opening
Greetings from Wanuskewin Board of Directors
Greetings from Nutrien – Julie Ann Wriston, Director of Indigenous Relations (ALT: Rhonda Hicks, Senior Manager of Indigenous Relations)
Greetings from the Province of Saskatchewan – MLA Brad Crassweller, Legislative Secretary
Greetings from the City of Saskatoon – Deputy Mayor Troy Davies
Greetings from the Saskatoon Survivors Circle – Wally Awasis, Thunderchild First Nation, Residential School Survivor
Elder Opening – Maria Linklater, Thunderchild First Nation, Residential School Survivor and Knowledge Keeper, Kêhtê-ayak Council
Honour Song – TJ Warren and 3 other drummers
All activities begin at 11:00AM until 4:00PM. At 4:00PM, there will be a Documentary Film screening of “I Am Gitxsan,” followed by an hour Q&A session with the documentary’s director, Hossein Martin Fazeli. At 6:30PM, there will be a Gallery Opening and Reception for ᐁᐧᐢᑫᐧᐱᑖᑲᐣ (wîskwêpitâkan) Sacred Bundle by Nehiyaw and Métis artist Adele ᒪᐢᑿᓱᐤᐏᐢᑵᐤ Arseneau.
