Métis leaders celebrate history at annual Batoche days

This year, Back-To-Batoche '09 was bigger and better than ever, as the annual event saw $500 000 invested into the improvement of grounds, a large covered
grandstand and stage, a large kitchen/concession, and additional guest
houses.
"Not only have we been able to improve the grounds but Métis Nation of Saskatchewan (MNS) is now completely debt free," noted MNS president Robert
Doucette.
Event co-ordinator Tammy (Fiddler) Mah said attendance was tremendous - more than 1,400 people ­ and she expects next year to have even larger numbers.
"For the 125th anniversary of the Resistance, we'll be continuing our upgrades, increasing campground size, and extending the number of days," noted Mah. Instead of four days, it will likely run seven. And there are plans for additional events such as a battle re-enactment, she said.
During Grand Entry, National President Clem Chartier spoke of "the great struggles of our people". Even today, he said, Métis veterans who fought for Canada are denied the benefits other veterans received.
"In the past, men, women, and
even children stood their ground to ensure that we would stand forever," Chartier noted, adding even small and symbolic victories are important.
"Peace, love, hope, and reconciliation: that's what draws us back," Doucette said later in the program.
Campers came from across Western
Canada and beyond for the 40 year annual celebration. A rodeo, chuckwagon races,
softball tournament, contests, concessions, nightly dances, and cultural events
were all part of the draw. Besides children's play areas and story-telling
tents, a horse-drawn wagon tour staffed by National Park guides made several
treks each day to Batoche Park and back.
Everything but the concession was
free with basic gate admission, including grandstand entertainment, access to
rodeo and chuckwagon races and the National Historic Site. Tenting spots, and
electrified sites for motor homes and trailers, were available at reasonable
rates and shower facilities and firewood were also freely provided.
Hard-working volunteers and many Métis Locals ran the concessions, providing services and security. Back to Batoche was an alcohol free event, with a focus on good family fun. Besides the "Miss Teen Batoche" contest, there were bannock bake-offs, bingo, Michif and story-telling times, and of course fiddling, square-dancing, and jigging competitions. And new this year was "Métis Idol", showcasing a variety of talent.
Attendees were treated to sunny and
hot weather, except for the final day when a smaller-than-usual group walked
through rain from the grounds, a kilometre or two from the National Historic Park, to the Batoche cemetery in the Park.
The ceremony had people gathering
around the gravestones of resistance fighters with flags raised high, after
which Doucette called on various leaders. Elders, and members of the community,
spoke words of respect and solidarity for the fallen leaders and their vision.
"When I stand here, I am humbled by the courage and sacrifice of our fallen, and can find few words to express myself," said Father Guy Lavallee, who celebrated mass that morning at the campgrounds.
National leader Clem Chartier also spoke of the sacrifice and on-going struggles that are still a reality for Métis people.
MN-S Vice-President Allan Morin spoke movingly in both English and Michif, while Maria Campbell eloquently expressed hope that leaders would continue to recognize the crucial contributions of artists and
story-tellers who keep the culture alive.
"I hope next year we can bring this
event, the procession, more to the fore-front of our celebrations," noted
Campbell, echoing the sentiments of others that the Resistance be a major focus of Batoche days, particularly at the 125th anniversary of the battle.
Elder Chris Blondeau-Perry, who had given language lessons telling her students
"Michif is one national language with regional dialects", simply shared, "I will
do this walk until I cannot, it is the least I can do for those who gave their
lives."