Back to Batoche

The Back to Batoche festival is an annual celebration of Métis culture, taking place from July 16 to 19. It is held near the Batoche National Historic Site, a historically significant location approximately 90 kilometers north of Saskatoon, where the Battle of Batoche was fought in 1885. The festival, first established in 1970, aims to educate and entertain an ever-growing audience by incorporating feedback from previous years to enhance the experience.

The festival's extensive program includes traditional competitions such as Indian relay, fiddling, jigging, and chuckwagons. Attendees can also enjoy a full Saskatchewan line-up of live music, featuring Métis fiddle music, folk, and acoustic performances. A special edition of Kitchen Party on July 18 will showcase artists like Donny Parenteau, JJ Lavallee, and Jason Lepine on the mainstage.

Recent additions to the festival enhance its cultural and educational offerings. The language tent now features all three Michif languages: Northern Michif, Heritage Michif, and Michif French, providing a comprehensive linguistic experience. Furthermore, the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan (MN-S) education team has collaborated with Maskwa Games to introduce an interactive Roblox computer game designed to teach both young and old about Métis culture, language, and tradition. The grand opening also includes the inaugural President’s medals, recognizing dedication to community and government, which will become an annual component of the festival.