Celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Métis people in Canada, Back to Batoche Days 2021 begins online Thursday evening, July 22, and will run until July 25. Music, dance, and celebration will stream live at https://backtobatochedays.ca/.
Métis Nation–Saskatchewan (MN–S) President Glen McCallum says, “We are very close to being able to gather in-person at Back to Batoche, but the health and safety of all citizens still must be our priority. It's for that reason, Métis Nation–Saskatchewan decided to continue with a virtual celebration in 2021. The team has been working hard to enhance the online experience, and we are sure there will be something for everyone.”
All the events that have made the Back to Batoche celebration an annual family affair will return, including fiddle, square dance and jig competitions. Mainstays of Back to Batoche will be highlighted, like the Elders Lodge and the Music Stages. New this year are a Métis fashion show and the Food Truck Alley with a twist.
Everyone can watch home cooks from across the nation preparing traditional Métis dishes from a 'mystery ingredient' list they received ahead of time. Also new to the children's programming at Little Jiggers Village are our special guest M.C.’s Mooshum and Kookum. The pair will entertain children with stories, songs, and dance.
The Music Main Stage will showcase some of the best Métis talent this province and country have to offer. Respected artist Andrea Menard will open Saturday evening and the Ivan Flett Memorial Dancers will help round out the night.
A special thanks to Métis Nation of Alberta, Métis Nation of Ontario and Métis Nation British Columbia for providing content for this year’s show.
A schedule of events is available at https://backtobatochedays.ca.
First celebrated in 1970, Back to Batoche Days has become an annual event that brings together Métis from across North America, in person or online, to the sacred grounds where the Louis Riel and Gabriel Dumont stood tall with their allies for Métis rights. As MN–S continues working toward self-governance, those who led the way will be remembered with Sunday gospel on July 25.
