On a warm September evening, I joined a small group of people for the Han Wi Moon Dinner Experience at Wanuskewin Heritage Park near Saskatoon, Sask. We dined outdoors on a bluff overlooking the Opimihaw Valley while colourful rays of the setting sun reflected off the South Saskatchewan River far below. It was experiential Indigenous dining with a menu created by Chef Jenni Lessard from foraged and locally sourced traditional ingredients — delicious and unforgettable.
The experience began with a tour of the park and ended with storytelling around a fire with an Elder. If you want to experience Indigenous culture in Canada, Saskatchewan has some incredible sites and experiences. Over six days, we explored areas around and between Saskatoon and Regina — flying into one city and home from the other.
The journey began with a stay at Dakota Dunes Resort, an Indigenous-owned and operated resort just outside Saskatoon in Whitecap. In October 2023, the resort won the Indigenous Tourism Experience Award at the Hospitality Saskatchewan Tourism Awards. The property has distinct First Nations design elements and offers activities and adventures that allow guests to experience the culture and learn about the history of the Whitecap Dakota People.
The lobby has several fireplaces where guests can gather, there’s a tipi near the courtyard, an exhibit corridor with Indigenous art and displays, and a restaurant with Indigenous- inspired menu items. During my three-day stay, I enjoyed an.