Wanuskewin
Wanuskewin is an institution with a rich origin story of collaboration between archaeologists and Indigenous elders. The visitor center in Saskatoon overlooks a narrow valley that was occupied for over 6000 years; archaeological digs in the valley have yielded over 200,000 artifacts. Wanuskewin is also a celebration of the Indigenous cultures of the northern Great Plains. Genetically pure bison have recently been reintroduced to their native habitat onsite, after an absence of 150 years.
North Shore created all of the linear media pieces for this new permanent exhibit, working with elders and youth from several different First Nations communities across the Great Plains. The project features a 300° environmental ribbon around the space, and a 360° Gathering Place Theatre; we filmed landscapes and bison with a four-camera array to create immersive cinema-quality panoramas that communicate a sense of place and support elders’ storytelling.
Our other work for Wanuskewin included films about the teaching of Indigenous languages, a presentation on Cree syllabics, and a film about the reintroduction of bison at Wanuskewin. We were happy to collaborate with Indigenous filmmakers from the Great Plains region on the creation of this media package.
“With the guidance and support of North Shore, Wanuskewin is able to share teachings from our Elders, provide the story of Wanuskewin to visitors, and share the emotions captured upon the return of the bison to our land with all guests who visit. The production of several films and audio programs surround the visitors in the sights, sounds, seasons and voices of the Northern Plains…. We were overjoyed experiencing the finished films and audio pieces.”
— Darlene Brander, CEO, Wanuskewin
Awards & Festivals:
National Trust for Canada Cornerstone Award (Entire Exhibit)
Silver Telly Award (Bison and Indigenous People)
Canadian Museum Association's Outstanding Award for Exhibitions (Entire Exhibit)
