Metis Heritage Days: Batoche to celebrate Metis culture

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It is "back to culture" for Back to Batoche, the Metis Heritage Days celebration. Such was the decision of the cultural committee which plans this annual event, says committee member Murray Hamilton.

"There've been a lot of requests from our Metis local and Metis people in general that we get back to some of the old time traditions," explained Hamilton.

This year, the celebrations are to take place July 24 though 26, one week after the Big Valley Jamboree at Craven, Saskatchewan. It is a time when thousands return to the sacred lands of Batoche, less than an hour's drive north of Saskatoon. It is here that the Metis, supported by their Indian compatriots, stood their ground against Canadian troops in 1885.

Beginning in 1971, Native people from throughout Canada have attended the Batoche events. Many go to renew acquaintances, to make new friends, but more importantly, to pay tribute and show respect for those whose blood was spilled in 1885 when the Metis sought to preserve their lands, culture and dignity.

Sponsored by the Association of Metis and non-Status Indians of Saskatchewan (AMNSIS), Batoche is placing particular emphasis on traditional music ? fiddle music.

The house band will be Reg Bouvette and his Blue Fiddle Band from St. Boniface, Manitoba. Bouvette has won the Canadian fiddle championship seven times.

Individual fiddle players are being brought in for special feature performances. One is Manitoba's Marcel Meilleur who used to play for the late Andy Desjarlis on CBC TV. Other guest artists are to include Saskatchewan's Johnny Arcand and Bunny Pederson. Unconfirmed are many others including Calvin Vollrath of Edmonton, who performs on CBC TV's Native Nashville North, hosted by Rocky Woodward. Vollrath was the 1985 North American Fiddle Champion.

AS is customary of the Batoche Days, the program will again involve mens' and womens' fastball tournaments, tug-o-wars, bannock baking, childrens' events and a talent show.

This year "we're going to produce a cassette tape of the talent show," says Hamilton.

Additional competitions include fiddling, jigging and square dancing, which are enjoyed by young and old alike. These have never failed to entertain a packed house and this year will likely be no different.

A new feature will be a Native film festival, a first for Batoche.

On Sunday, July 26, a procession will arrive at the Batoche mass gravesite. Everyone is encouraged to share in this religious tribute to the fallen heroes of 1885.

On Sunday afternoon, the finals for all sports and cultural competitions will be run off. There is no admission charge to attend these.

Entry to the campgrounds is $5 each with wood and water supplied by the sponsors. Alcohol and firearms are not permitted and such items will be confiscated until owner's leave the camp.

For further information, contact AMNSIS at 1-306-525-9501 or 1-306-373-8855.