Thundering Ahead Campaign receives largest donation yet
- NC Raine | March 07, 2017
Wanuskewin Heritage Park's Thundering Ahead Capital Campaign has received its largest donation so far, as Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL) announced they will be contributing $1 million to the campaign. The donation brings Wanuskewin a step closer to achieving its $40 million dollar fundraising goal.
“Our Co-op home is Western Canada, and we are honoured to be part of ensuring that the epic story of Wanuskewin is told and experienced for generations,” said Federated Co-op CEO Scott Banda at the donation announcement.
“It's our hope is that this contribution is only the first in a long list of organizations that will invest in [the campaign] and the special place that is Wanuskewin,” said Banda.
The donation will back the Wanuskewin's Thundering Ahead renewal campaign, including a new exhibit at the park to be named Wanuskewin: A Gathering Place presented by Federated Co-operatives Limited on behalf of Western Canada's Co-operative Retailing System. The display will celebrate the history and heritage of the land.
Related:
- Thundering Ahead Campaign receives big donation from TD Bank
- Read about the Thundering Ahead Campaign launch
- Wanuskewin to seek UNESCO World Heritage Designation
“Wanuskewin and The Gathering Place exhibit will provide a sense of pride and understand of our past, and a place to gather to learn together and build a future for everyone,” he said.
“It's not only meaningful for Saskatoon, for Saskatchewan, for Canada, but for the world. At FCL, we recognize the importance of reconciliation and Canada's indigenous people as an integral part of our nation's history, our present, and our future.”
In addition to the new exhibition, the $40 million dollar campaign goal will be used to expand and renovate the nearly 25 year old interpretive centre, preserve ecology and biodiversity of the site, create a campground and RV park, and expand the park by 700 acres to accommodate a herd of buffalo.
Wanuskewin also hopes to obtain designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site. If accepted, it will be the first UNESCO World Heritage site in Saskatchewan.
“This is what Canada, and this is what Western culture is about – supporting each other, investing in each other,” said Saskatoon Tribal Council Chief Felix Thomas.
“This is a place we can all call home. A place that's been around for six thousand years and will be here for another six thousand. It's going to be involved and a great place, and at the same time will stay the same in terms of the land, the culture, the spirituality of this place. That's important.”