Metis to journey to Batoche in historic style

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"We will try to capture the feeling of what it was like for our Metis ancestors moving across the land, the water and opening up the west," explained Metis Nation of Alberta Zone 5 vice-president Trevor Gladue as he talked about a trip his people will make this summer. It's a journey that 25 or so Metis will start at the beginning of July and head to Batoche, Sask., some 500 miles away.

The journey, however, will not be by car or truck. The participants will travel in the same manner as their forefathers, by canoe, York boat, wagon and Red River cart, arriving at their destination on July 27 in time for Back To Batoche Metis heritage celebrations.

Gladue estimates an entourage of about 75 to 100 people by the time the travellers hit their final stretch between Carlton and Batoche.

"This voyage is like a pilgrimage for the Metis to retrace their roots," said Brenda Blyan, Metis Nation of Alberta vice president. It is also something of "a healing journey" that will allow people to experience what it was like to travel under yesterday's conditions.

The idea for the trip began last spring, said Gladue, when the Metis staged a re-enactment of explorer David Thompson's trip to Lesser Slave Lake.

"We thought we should be doing these kind of things to promote and preserve our culture, heritage and lifestyle," said Gladue.

The participants will share various cultural activities with the residents of communities along the route, including traditional storytelling, jigging, singing and feasting.

Blyan said they will also train Metis people to act as interpreters, while others will fashion products that can be marketed to the public. In other words, they will get into the business of tourism and sell miniature Red River carts, sashes, and other craft works.

They will also produce plays at stopping points and significant sites along the way, she said. They intend to draw visitors into the productions to experience the excitement first hand.

The Metis will document the entire trip with still photos, camcorders and written words. These will later be edited and produced into curriculum materials for school use, archival purposes and the enjoyment of the Metis community.