Battle of Batoche rages anew

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Canada's Metis are negotiating with the federal government to gain control of the historic Batoche site in Saskatchewan.

Preliminary discussions have begun with Minister Responsible for Metis Affairs Doug Lewis, the executive-director of the Metis National Council told Windspeaker last week.

"We're looking at a total recapture of the land around there," Ron Rivard said. "We're trying to make our case. They're listening."

The site, located about 70 kilometres north of Saskatoon, is an important symbol to Canadian Metis, because it was the scene of the final battle in the 1885 Riel Resistance.

Western Canadian Metis have been gathering at the location every summer since 1971 for Back to Batoche Days.

The Canadian Parks Service has operated a museum at Batoche for about three years, Rivard said.

Discussions for control of the land started about six months ago with the federal government, he said. The Metis Society of Saskatchewan will also be involved.

If the Metis community assumes control of the land, it could develop camping and tourist facilities to provide money to cover the operating costs of the historic site, Rivard said.

"We don't have the resources to do all these things. We're a poor people. We're trying to get our land back and adequate resources to look after our people, he said.

Rivard said the council was optimistic it could convince Ottawa to turn the land over.

"We want the land for our people and we're going to pursue that goal. It's a goal we won't let rest.

"He certainly didn't say, 'You got it,' but he listened."

Lewis could not be reached for comment at press time.

However, a senior western Canadian official of the Canadian Parks' Service said he was unaware of any discussions between Lewis and the MNC.

"There's no discussion with anybody on taking over the historic site at Batoche," said Douglas Harper, director general for the Prairie and northern regions.

"I'm not aware of any intent to have that land turned over to any Metis group," he said.

Rivard said the Metis National Council's "not going to talk to any superintendent in the province when he has nothing to do with the decision made at the federal level."

Harper admitted an agreement had been reached several years ago to turn over some land near the historic Batoche sit to the Metis.

The Metis, who lease the parcel of land for Back to Batoche Days, wanted to develop camping facilities and a cultural centre at the site, Harper said.

"The Treasury Board authorized us to transfer it to them at no cost. It was a federal contribution to that development," he said.

But the process was halted because of a split in the Metis community, Harper said.

"With the split in the Metis organizations, it wasn't clear who was going to exercise those responsibilities," he explained.

Meanwhile, Rivard said the MNC hopes to meet with Lewis again in September to discuss several pressing issues.

In addition to getting recognition for Louis Riel and gaining control of Batoche, the list includes:

A comprehensive Metis claims' policy

Alternative funding arrangements for Metis organizations

Metis access to national Native drug and alcohol programs

Federal participation in Metis child and family services

Co-management of natural resources

Tripartile negotiations on the constitution and Metis issues

Federal participation in Metis education initiatives

Agricultural development