BATOCHE — The annual Back to Batoche Days Festival saw a record-breaking attendance of over 40,000 people this year, coinciding with the declaration of 2023 as the Year of the Youth for the Métis people. The event, which celebrates Métis culture, entertainment, identity, and language, proved to be one of the biggest festivals in Métis Nation-Saskatchewan's history.
Festival-goers were treated to an array of exciting activities, including jigging, musical performances featuring talent from across the homeland, the Louis Riel Cup Slo-Pitch Tournament, the SMEDCO Métis Market, Chuckwagon and Indian Relay races, as well as engaging Voyageur games.
In a historic moment, Premier Scott Moe became the first sitting premier of the province to attend the festival, joining Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations Third Vice Chief Aly Bear, Parliamentary Secretary Terry Duguid, RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme, and provincial and federal representatives of opposition parties in the opening ceremonies on Friday.
Métis Nation-Saskatchewan President Glen McCallum led the provincial council and expressed his enthusiasm for the vibrant weekend, which marked a significant post-pandemic celebration. The camping grounds were filled, reflecting the growing strength of the Métis Nation.
"Our Métis Nation continues to grow and share our vision and hope for future generations. Every day at Batoche, I was impressed by the sheer numbers in attendance – the total combined was more than the population of Prince Albert,” said McCallum.
“Witnessing the collaborative nature of the opening ceremonies is in the spirit of Métis culture. Our government has been proactively developing relationships with governments, agencies, organizations, and people from all different backgrounds and experiences to work with [MN-S]."
Emphasizing the critical message of this year's festival, the Year of the Youth, McCallum highlighted the importance of working together for a prosperous future. He expressed pride in participating in the annual procession to honour leaders and citizens who fought for recognition and inclusion.
Adding to the festivities, the renowned Master of the Métis fiddle, John Arcand, received special recognition for his exceptional contributions to Métis music and culture. In a touching gesture, Arcand composed a new piece that paid tribute to McCallum and MN-S.
McCallum expressed his gratitude, saying, "We focused on lifting him [Arcand] and his work, which indicates his work, and I am honoured to be part of it. I sincerely appreciate the Master of the Métis fiddle for recognizing our efforts."
Closing the celebration, McCallum extended heartfelt thanks to the organizers of this year's Back to Batoche Days festival, acknowledging the challenges of preparing and hosting an event of such magnitude. The festival attracted guests from the homeland and from as far as Norway, receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback.
The Back to Batoche Days Festival continues to serve as a vibrant cultural platform, uniting Métis people from different regions and backgrounds and promoting the rich heritage and traditions of the Métis Nation.
