Become Part of the H.E.R.D.

A web-based AR project to enhance the guided and self-guided experience

The Heritage, Education, and Recreation Development Project (H.E.R.D.) at the Wanuskewin Visitor Center, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, seeks to expand current initiatives of the park and to further connect visitors to Indigenous heritage and environmental stewardship efforts. This is not only important for visitors of the heritage park, but also those visiting the area via the Trans Canada Trail. Wanuskewin currently offers two types of tours: guided tours with experienced interpreters and self-guided tours. The web-based AR project will enhance the guided and self-guided experience by tying the tour to the context, imparting historically, culturally, and spiritually relevant information to interact with the Northern Plains Indigenous culture and larger community of First Nations.

Our Audience

The audience will include site visitors doing the Bison Trail to supplement both the self-guided and guided tours. It will highlight for visitors the traditional practices and heritage of the site utilizing modern technology. This could work with school group visits to complement curriculum materials, for example the “Step Back in Time Walk.” The experience will build community by including resources that connect Wanuskewin to other places in Canada and First Nations people, for example the Meewasin Trail on the Trans Canada Trail. Further, it seeks to situate the Center within the communities across Saskatchewan and Canada (for example, bison conservation efforts). It will serve as a resource for people who would like to learn more about the sites on the different trails and provide further resources from verified sources for them. As a current National Canadian Heritage site applying for UNESCO World Heritage Certification, this project aims to increase interest in preservation and conservation as well as broader community engagement and broader education.