New Attractions Planned For Back To Batoche Days

Wednesday, July 23, 2008 at 15:43

One of the biggest Metis celebrations in North America is just hours away from getting started.

Tonight, Metis from across the country and several U.S. states will begin celebrating their heritage and culture at the annual Back to Batoche Days.

Activities get underway tonight, while the official opening ceremonies are set to begin tomorrow evening at 6:00.

Metis Nation of Saskatchewan President Robert Doucette says this year’s festival promises to be bigger and better than ever.

A rodeo has been added, along with an extra day of balloon rides, a teen pageant and Michif language instruction.

Doucette says he senses an air of optimism in the metis population that has been missing over the past few years.

He says there is an upbeat atmosphere surrounding the event because the Metis political situation has stabilized.

Doucette adds the next few years will be busy ones for festival coordinators as they get ready for 2010.

He says the Batoche celebration that year will be significant since it will be the 125th year since the Metis uprising began back in 1885.