The provincial government is providing funding to help Wanuskewin Heritage Park in its bid to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The province announced an investment of $60 thousand dollars today to help in Wanuskewin’s UNESCO application process.
The heritage park has been pushing for the designation over the past few years and has invested heavily in upgrading the heritage site.
“Wanuskewin is a significant part of our province,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Laura Ross said in a media release sent out on Tuesday. “Our government highlighted our commitment to support Wanuskewin’s UNESCO application in Saskatchewan’s Growth Plan, and we believe this grant will provide a solid foundation to move the process forward.”
A world heritage site designation is considered one of the highest points of recognition for any site. Examples of a UNESCO World Heritage site include the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal, and the Great Barrier Reef.
“The province’s investment into preserving the past, is a strong investment in our shared future to ensure that we have the resources to put toward Wanuskewin’s UNESCO nomination work,” Wanuskewin CEO Darlene Brander said in the release. “We know that we cannot do this alone. This kind of provincial support signals strong stakeholder engagement to help us tell our story. One that showcases the richness, cultural diversity and archaeological attributes that will make Wanuskewin a very strong contender to become Saskatchewan’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. “
Canada currently has 20 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Saskatchewan and Nunavit are the only province or territories without one.
(PHOTO: Wanuskewin Heritage Park. File Photo)