The WDM Museum in North Battleford is ready to see the number of people in the facility increase over the next few months. (Josh Ryan/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By battlefordsNOW Staff

Museum visits welcome

WDM North Battleford set for capacity increase

Jun 10, 2021 | 5:35 PM

Western Development Museum (WDM) locations in Saskatchewan are gearing up for easing restrictions this summer.

The organization announced in-person programs are returning with workshops starting June 26 and running till August 29. These will cover such topics as gardening, wheat weaving, camping and exploring Saskatchewan, and communication.

Joyce Smith, Manager at WDM North Battleford, said they’re very happy to welcome back groups of people for workshops, which is currently limited at 10 individuals. The museum has had to put activities like these on hold for most of the pandemic.

“We thrive on visitors, we like having people around,” she said. “When you’re limited to 1-30 people, it’s tough, so we’re very happy to have people coming around again.”

Museums are also preparing for the increase in gathering sizes on June 20 and July 11, Smith said being able to have as many as 150 people is so much better from a bottom line and moral perspective, but they will be approaching things gradually, even being more conservative than the province’s guidelines when it comes to July 11.

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“We’re doing small workshops, no big programs,” she said. “But come fall, we’re planning for some back-to-normal.”

While attendance and revenues are down at museums throughout Canada, Smith said the community in the Battlefords has remained supportive through limited attendance and visiting the gift shop. Since recent changes from the province, she said it’s already been busier.

“You can see the change in the public’s perception of everything,” she said. “And [it helps] that people can tell everything’s being handled on our end when it comes to following the guidelines.”

When the rush comes, Smith said she expects some hesitancy, but mostly enthusiasm. As a result, they’ve been communicating with organizations before things open up. They are also looking forward to seeing an influx of students in the fall.

“Some people will never want to leave the house, but there’s people who are really anxious to get out and visit museums again,” she said. “And we love having the school children in here, that’s a big part of what we do.”

In the meantime, the museum is focusing on educational opportunities. They are partnering on with Kanaweyimik Child & Family Services. A temporary set of traditional tipis are on display at WDM North Battlefords south lawn and will be utilized for teachings that are free with museum admission. Smith said this includes everything from food preservations and hand drum making to moss bag wrappings and tradition indigenous games.

“It’s an excellent partnership that we’re very happy about,” she said.

(Submitted photo/WDM North Battleford)

More information on the tipi teachings, available on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Friday, is available online.

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cjnbnews@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW