“Home of the World’s Largest Tomahawk”
BACKGROUND
In the late 1960s, a few years after Canada’s Centennial, residents of the province began preparations for Saskatchewan’s Homecoming ’71. The Town of Cut Knife was in the midst of a revitalization effort, a joint venture between the Cut Knife Tomahawk Rodeo Association, Little Pine First Nation, Poundmaker Cree Nation, and Sweetgrass First Nation. The objective was to build a Tourist Information Centre and campground located near the newly established Clayton McLain Memorial Museum in Cut Knife, and a short drive from Broken Knife’s Lookout Hill and the historic Battle of Cut Knife Creek hilltop on Poundmaker Cree Nation.
The idea of the Tomahawk was put forward by Wilfrid Tootoosis and was designed and constructed to represent cooperation between the area’s local cultures. The tipi, a traditional First Nations shelter, symbolizes respect, humility, faith, and sharing. The Tomahawk, or stone tool, was used to build and create, as well as to destroy. The original structure consisted of a pre-cast concrete tipi, a Douglas Fir axe handle and a fibreglass blade. In 2006, the wooden handle was replaced with a metal one. It has been recorded by the Guinness Book of World Records as the World’s Largest Tomahawk.
I have worked for many years towards this type of inter-relationship where the Indian can present his best side, his culture and traditions and the white man his culture and tradition, each respecting the other with equal admiration.
Reverand Stan Cuthand, Cut Knife Courier, July 1971, summarizing the symbolic objectives of the project.
TOMAHAWK PARK
Tomahawk Park is well treed with a small play area for children, lots of green space for a game of catch or frisbee, and a regularly stocked trout pond. Campsites are available on a ‘first come, first choice’ system. Amenities include modern washrooms and showers, a dumping station, water, and a picnic shelter. Public washrooms are open during the summer months.
CENOTAPH
In 2020, the Royal Canadian Legion, Cut Knife Branch #200 installed a new Cenotaph in Tomahawk Park. The granite monument replaced the Cenotaph located outside the former Legion building on Orton Street. In addition to the Cenotaph, the Legion bench was also relocated to the Park.
CAMPING
For opening dates, rates, info on fire bans, and more, please contact the Town Office during office hours. The office is located at 102 Broad Street and is open Monday – Friday from 9:30am – Noon and 1pm – 4pm. It is closed on weekends and holidays. Rates and payment signage are also located on site. Please note that dogs must be on a leash at all times.
TROUT POND
The pond is stocked bi-annually and fishing is permitted. Please note that Saskatchewan’s Ministry of the Environment rules apply.
TOURIST INFORMATION
Maps and brochures regarding points of interest in and around the old Northwest are available here. We also have an outdoor map of the local sites on the Station platform.
For more information about the area and its attractions, check out our VISIBLE HISTORY page.
Clayton McLain Memorial Museum 