Historic Site Designation Pleases Metis

Historic Site Designation Pleases Metis

Tuesday, March 01, 2005 at 14:05

A Metis citizen in Rosthern is applauding a recent decision by the provincial government to designate a local Metis settlement area as a historic landmark.

Ruth Fisher says Petite Ville was used by settlers of the Red River Valley as a fishing and hunting getaway during the time of Louis Riel.

Ultimately it had to be abandoned due to the disintegration of the fur trade, which is why the settlers moved over to Batoche.

Fisher says the ruins of the village are still evident on the South Saskatchewan River.

Fisher adds the University of Saskatchewan has also done several digs by the site to discover more about what went on there.

She hopes it can someday be made into a tourist attraction, as well.