Located on traditional Whitecap Dakota Territory, surrounded by gently rolling natural sand dunes, Dakota Dunes Resort opened in autumn 2020 and is Saskatoon’s first full-serviced resort experience. Designed, built and operated by members of the Indigenous Whitecap First Nation, a stay promises an authentic Indigenous experience.
The Resort
The resort’s architecture is a tribute to its Indigenous heritage with its exterior wood panels and angular window trims echoing the traditional tipi. Just 20 minutes outside of Downtown Saskatoon, the resort is nestled in the idyllic riverscape of South Saskatchewan River offering stunning views of the picturesque landscape. It has 155 modern, comfortable rooms, an indoor pool, fitness area and a restaurant with a farm-to-table concept. The neighbouring golf course and casino are also available to guests.
The Spa
On July 24, a ground breaking ceremony was held at the Dakota Dunes Resort to announce the start of a $52 million thermal spa. The thermal spa will be the first of its kind in Saskatchewan. The inclusion of Indigenous themes will make it the first of its kind in Canada. Construction is set to being mid-August. The spa has a projected opening date in November of 2026.
Cultural experiences and outdoor activities
In addition to the wealth of classic outdoor activities, such as golfing, fishing, canoeing and stand-up paddling in summer or ice fishing, snowshoeing and horse-drawn sleigh rides in winter, traditional Dakota programs are also on the agenda. Guests can look forward to Powwow dance performances and various cultural familiarization workshops. Bannock baking around the campfire is sure to be a highlight, while a member of the Whitecap Dakota First Nation tells the fascinating story of their nation. The Dakota way of life is based on respect for others and the environment – it’s for a reason that the word Dakota means “friend” or “ally”. Participants in the Indigenous programs at Dakota Dunes Resort will discover a culture for which peace and harmony are essential elements for relationships to living creatures and all of creation. A culture with a long history of relationship building with other Indigenous nations and with European newcomers.
Dakota First Nation’s story
The traditional land of the Dakota extends over large areas of what it today the USA and Canada. Historically, they populated an area that stretched from present-day Wisconsin to Minnesota and from northern Ontario to the Canadian prairie provinces.
The Dakota Nation relied on the tatanka – or bison. They provided the Dakota with many of the elements they needed to survive, such as food, shelter, clothing, tools and weapons. This is why the bison holds great cultural significance to the essence of the Dakota people and is a prominent element in their teachings and cultural views.
In 1879, Chief Whitecap and his people settled at their present location, 26 kilometres south of the present-day city of Saskatoon.
The Whitecap Dakota Nation today is a modern and progressive Nation recognized nationally for its economic and community development success. Through resourcefulness, creativity, and entrepreneurial vision, Whitecap serves as a business development leader in Canada. The development and growth of the Whitecap community ensure the traditional cultural values of Whitecap Nation – such as respect, alliance, and resilience – will persist in the future.
Further information can be found at www.tourismsaskatchewan.com.
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