Visitors heading to Wanuskewin Heritage Park on Sept. 30 for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation are being asked to plan ahead and expect heavier-than-normal traffic due to the combination of large attendance and ongoing road construction in the area.
More than 1,400 people attended last year’s gathering, and organizers say similar numbers are expected this year.
Road Access and Traffic Changes
Access to Wanuskewin remains available via Highway 11 and Millar Avenue, but motorists should be aware that Wanuskewin Road north of 72nd Street remains closed because of construction related to the City of Saskatoon’s Wastewater Treatment Plant Biosolids Pipeline Corridor Project.
Visitors are encouraged to:
- Carpool whenever possible, as parking will be limited.
- Consider using Millar Avenue as an alternate route to and from the site.
- Allow extra travel time throughout the day.
- Follow all posted traffic signage and directions.
For drivers travelling southbound on Highway 11, organizers and the Ministry of Highways are asking motorists to stay in the right lane as they approach the Wanuskewin turnoff.
Temporary message boards will be installed to guide traffic entering the event site.
Leaving the Event
Those departing Wanuskewin after the gathering are encouraged to use Millar Avenue when possible.
Depending on traffic conditions and destination, organizers say some drivers may find it easier to continue north on Highway 11, turn around at a safe location, and return toward Saskatoon using an alternate route.
To improve traffic flow, a temporary stop sign will be in place for northbound traffic on Wanuskewin Road at the Millar Avenue junction.
Full Day of Programming Planned
Opening ceremonies begin at 10 a.m. and will feature greetings from community leaders, government representatives and residential school Survivors.
Activities and cultural programming will continue until 4 p.m., followed by a screening of the documentary I Am Gitxsan and a question-and-answer session with director Hossein Martin Fazeli. An evening gallery opening featuring the work of Nehiyaw and Métis artist Adele Arseneau is also planned.
Organizers are asking everyone travelling through the area to slow down, be patient and prepare for delays as the community gathers to honour Survivors and reflect on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
For more information about the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation gathering, including the full schedule of programming, visit: https://wanuskewin.com/event/national-day-for-truth-and-reconciliation-gathering-2026/
