Wanuskewin campaign gets boost from Deloitte
- EFN Staff | May 20, 2017
Wanuskewin’s Thundering Ahead Capital Campaign got another boost on Tuesday, this time in the amount of $500,000 from Deloitte, one of Canada’s leading professional services firms. This marks the first gift announcement at Wanuskewin from one of the “big four” professional services firms.
“Indigenous culture is so important to our community, and to our country. It needs to be preserved, shared, and celebrated,” said Andrew Coutts, Managing Partner of Deloitte’s Saskatoon Office. “Deloitte believes in making an impact that matters. We have made a commitment to becoming the most inclusive professional services firm in the country, embracing a diversity of perspectives and creating collaborative conditions for the best ideas to thrive.”
Since the firm’s inception in 1858, Deloitte has celebrated and contributed to communities across Canada. The important role of Wanuskewin Heritage Park both locally, and for Canada as a whole, was a key factor behind the firm’s donation. Deloitte believes that the Park’s renewal project will open up exciting new opportunities for global recognition and visitation.
“This is a significant gift for Wanuskewin,” said Dr. Ernie Walker as he thanked Deloitte on behalf of The Park. “Deloitte’s gift will be recognized on the Circle of Harmony Trail, which begins in Opimihaw Valley and leads visitors to the Sunburn tipi rings and Medicine Wheel site.”
Related: Why you should support the Thundering Ahead Campaign
Thundering Ahead represents a bold renewal for Wanuskewin. The $40-Million fundraising campaign will support efforts to expand the land base to accommodate a small herd of Plains Bison, introduce exhibit galleries and improve educational offerings, expand the current facility to accommodate larger conferences and meeting groups, renovate the 25-year-old interpretive centre, and apply for UNESCO World Heritage designation.
“We launched Thundering Ahead in hopes of doing something magnificent in Saskatchewan for our community, and to recognize the rich history that Indigenous peoples have with these lands,” said Wayne Brownlee, co-chair of the Thundering Ahead Campaign team.
“This gift from Deloitte will help us to protect the stories and biodiversity of the site, both of which are equally important,” said Saskatoon Tribal Chief Felix Thomas. “As we move forward with this campaign and as a community, protection and conservation of our shared history is critical.”