On behalf of the Paspiwin Cultural Heritage Committee, Tansi-Hello-Tawaw – we welcome you. Our grandfathers and grandmothers before us have travelled on and used the land, water, trees, plants and animals you see. We want to share with you our culture, heritage, traditions, customs and values that have been passed on to us over generations. You will experience our First Nation and Métis heritage through legends, stories, displays, hands-on learning, demonstrations, drumming, singing, dancing and traditional food.

We view this area as a special site and want to maintain it as natural as possible to ensure that not only the environment but also ceremonial and cultural sites are protected.

Please respect all that you see, learn and experience.

Sturgeon Lake First Nation Elder, Bill Ermine named this site “PASPIWIN”: which means ‘survival’ in the Cree language. Elder Ermine’s reference to the site as “PASPIWIN” was for the:

• Survival of Aboriginal people due to the bison providing food, shelter, clothing and tools.

• Survival of the bison from extinction.

• Survival of Aboriginal peoples’ languages, cultures, traditions, and herit

Through the Paspiwin Cultural Heritage Site we invite visitors to actively experience the park’s natural and cultural heritage values.

Please come with an open mind and enjoy your tour of this unique place.

The Paspiwin Cultural Heritage site is located at the former bison paddock in the south-east corner of Prince Albert National Park of Canada

It is adjacent to Lac La Ronge Indiian Band Cultural site.

The site is large enough to accommodate moderate size groups.

The site is approximately 229 hectares in size and runs along the Spruce River - south to the park boundary, then west along the park boundary and north along a closed access road to hwy240.

We are maintaining this special place in as natural of state as possible. Please folllow the user guidelines while utiiliziing the site.

The site offers the following basic facilities: camp kitchen complete with cook stove, campsites, fireplaces, picnic tables, water tank and washroom.

Please appreciate and value this site with consideration and respect.

Potential activities/events that we are working towards for the Paspiwin Cultural Heritage Site:

Non-Aboriginal groups and organizations may also apply to use the Cultural Site but must have non-profit or charitable status.

All groups requesting use of the site must fill out the Paspiwin Cultural Heritage Site application in full.

The Paspiwin Cultural Heritage Site will be accessible to the general public at all times.

Use of the Site will be in accordance with the National Parks Act and Regulations.

Our purpose as the Paspiwin Cultural Heritage Site Committee is to work as a unified group in laying the groundwork for developing, planning, approving and implementing various traditional cultural events and activities at this site.

In Collaboration with Parks Canada Agency:
Prince Albert National Park of Canada
Prince Albert Model Forest
Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations
Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Center ((SICC))
Agency Chiefs Tribal Council
Prince Albert Grand Council
Métis Nation of Saskatchewan
Montreal Lake Cree Nation
Little Red River Cree Nation
Lac La Ronge Indian Band
Mistawasis First Nation
Wahpeton Dakota First Nation
Sturgeon Lake First Nation
Ahtahkakoop First Nation
Pelican Lake First Nation
Big River First Nation
Witchekan Lake First Nation

Prince Albert National Park sees building relationships as a priority. This includes enhancing relations with First Nation and Métis communities, increasing presentation and interpreatation of Aboriginal heritage, encouraging economic partnerships and employment opportunities We welcome any suggestions, feedback or ideas that you may have for the benefit of this project..

For an application or further information please contact:

Prince Albert National Park
Box 100 Waskesiu Lake, SK. S0J 2Y0
Attn: Aboriginal Affairs Manager
Ph:(306) 663-4508  fax:(306) 663-5424