Wanuskewin and GSCS sign new nitōhtem agreement

Wanuskwein Heritage Park has been a gathering place for millennia, so it seemed a fitting place for officials from Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools and Wanuskewin Heritage Park Authority on April 22 to sign the the nitōhtem Memorandum of Understanding.

Cree for “my friend,” the nitōhtem agreement reflets both organizations’ shared commitment to learning, land and stewardship.

The first iteration of the agreement was signed in 2021, formalizing years of working together to train educators and teach children and youth. The renewed agreement will promote innovative teaching practices and support First Nations land-based learning.

“Wanuskewin is a special place with such historical and cultural significance,” said Diane Boyko, Board of Education Chair for Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools. “We’re very fortunate to have such a gem, along with the people who are able to share the special meaning of this place, in our own back yard for students to learn from. Being able see and experience all that Wanuskewin has to offer brings classroom learning to life for both students and staff.”

“It’s a privilege to partner again with the students and educators of Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools. We see the impact of land-based learning firsthand and are honoured to support connections to culture, language, and place. For over 6,400 years, this land has been a gathering place—and those stories and teachings continue to thrive here today. As we advance toward UNESCO World Heritage designation, partnerships rooted in community help move this vision forward,” said Andrew McDonald Co-Executive Director of Wanuskewin Heritage Park.

Key aspects of the four-year agreement include: guidance by Elders and knowledge keepers from both organizations; revitalization of Indigenous language and culture; and foster Indigenous students’ access to traditional First Nations learning methodologies, lands, science, anthropology and archaeology.