by Claude-Jean Harel
(source: Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food)
When it comes to sustainable tourism practices, Dave Weiman has set some noble ideals for himself. His company, Sawyer Lake Adventures, is based in the Preeceville area, where he raises Scottish Highland cattle, chickens and Siberian huskies and farms the old fashioned way, using heavy horses.
“My horses are of the Suffolk Punch breed, originally from the East Anglian county in Britain,” Weiman says. “The breed traces its roots back to the early 16th century and before. They are the smallest of the heavy horses, standing at about 16 hands. They have a very nice disposition, require comparatively lower rations than other horses in their weight range, and they are particularly suited to fieldwork.”
Guests who visit Dave Weiman’s camp and farm can learn how to drive horse and how to communicate with them using reins and other resources. They are exposed to a rich culture that hasn’t been interpreted to the public as much as it could.
“This is a fascinating part of the world, traveled through centuries by indigenous societies, and later on, by European settlers who came with high hopes to live off the land. What we especially love to share with guests is the interdependent relationship humans have with domesticated animals across our land,” Weiman says.
“The roomy country home and lodge were both built with white spruce logs that were harvested on our land and skidded using our horses. We milled them with a wood-saving bandsaw on our own land. The stamina and pulling power of the Suffolk are unquestionable. I use my horses constantly. They are also gentle and powerful mounts that our guests ride during both summer and winter. Our animals must be used for them to stay healthy.”
Weiman feels the same way about the dogs he raises.
“You know, 99 per cent of sled dogs are used for racing activities. Our Siberian huskies are raised as recreation animals. We use them to pull carts in the summer. In November, I move the dogs to the lodge for the winter months. From November to March, we are booked solid with guests on the weekends. I run the dogs and I log with the horses—and visitors get to participate in the activities.”
Weiman’s approach to tourism is rooted in sharing the authenticity of life at the camp and at the farm.
“We butcher the chickens in the fall, and we sell our Highland cattle beef at the farmgate. The trick is packaging the experience of spending time here as a product that the tourism industry is willing to market.”
Weiman will be the first to admit there is always something to learn when it comes to knowing your consumers.
“Saskatchewan is welcoming more and more new residents who come from other places in the world. When their family members come for visits, they are always seeking unique experiences for them to enjoy. I guess we are unique enough that people are tempted to come live with us for a while,” Weiman says.
“Family reunions are a big market for us. Can you imagine how conducive a place like ours can be to socializing, when relatives who haven’t seen each other for 15 years get together in the country? Sure beats meeting in a motel.”
Weiman’s practices have inspired some of his colleagues in the ecotourism/sustainable tourism field, where perseverance and the quest for excellence are prerequisites to success.
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