Lack Of Funding Doesn’t Stop Batoche Days
Friday, July 22, 2005 at 15:28
Organizers of the Back to Batoche Days are determined to not let the impasse between the province and the Metis Nation of Saskatchewan affect this weekend’s festivities.
Chairman Albert Delaire says government funding for the event has been cut off because of the dispute between the government and the MNS, but he says that hasn’t affected the turnout so far.
Opening ceremonies took place yesterday.
Delaire says this year’s event includes a Metis Idol competition, with the winner taking home a recording deal and air time on several radio stations.
Traditional events also include fiddling and jigging competitions, voyageur games, wagon races and a softball tournament.
This year’s gathering also marks the end of a prolonged canoe trek for some Metis youth from Ontario.
And, it will mark the start of a Metis wagon trek over the next few weeks that will eventually take participants to Smokey Lake, Alberta.