Metis culture showcased at award-winning festival

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Metis heritage and culture is as rich as the vast continent upon which it originated. The annual Back to Batoche festival to be held this year from July 26 to 29 celebrates all aspects of Metis life, both traditional and contemporary, showing the true scope of this uniquely North American people. And even better, it's a lot of fun, too.

The quality of the Back to Batoche festival, now in its 31st year, is demonstrated by the prestigious award it recently received. Attractions Canada, which exists to promote the quality, success, innovation and diversity of Canada's many tourist sites and events, singled out the festival as one of the best in the country.

"Last year we won Cultural Event of the Year for Saskatchewan," explained Jack Walton, who produced last year's millennial festival and returns this year to build on such success. "We're also short-listed for the national awards. That's pretty exciting."

Back to Batoche has achieved this level of recognition by offering a full lineup of activities and events for the entire family. Over the festival's four days, various sports and recreational activities are staged, from baseball and rodeo competitions to traditional voyageur games.

"A range of events make up the voyageur games," explained Walton. "There's hatchet throwing, sling shot, archery, even a flour sack carry."

Just as anticipated as the sports are the various cultural activities. Musical performances will be held for the duration of the festival ("the only time it stops is when the dinner bell rings"), with Metis fiddlers demonstrating their skills alongside more contemporary Metis performers. Dance competitions will also return this year, as will the immensely popular Batoche stage musical. Many Metis writers and artists will once again be on hand to share their creations.

Even these activities are only a small part of the overall Back to Batoche festival- also offered are a children's festival and talent show, a trade show, tours of the Batoche historical site, and much, much more.

"This is the national Metis festival. It's recognized across Canada," said Walton with pride. "It's co-ordinated by the Metis Nation-Saskatchewan, so it's totally Metis driven and organized. We have people from all around the world attend this festival. Last year we had over 10,000 people."

The Back to Batoche festival site is located about 90 km northeast of Saskatoon. For first time visitors, the simplest way to the site is to take Highway 11 north from Saskatoon to Rosthern, where prominently displayed signs will provide final directions.

More information on the festival can be obtained at www.backtobatoche.com, or by phoning (306) 343-8285.