The Metis of Saskatchewan now control lands connected to the Batoche National Historic Site.
Parks Canada transferred 690 hectares of land to the Metis Nation-Saskatchewan Friday, as the Metis were celebrating “Back to Batoche” festivities.
“These lands hold deep cultural, spiritual, and historic significance for the citizens of the Métis Nation – Saskatchewan,” says the federal government.
In December 2020, Parks Canada and Métis Nation-Saskatchewan agreed to explore and discuss a full range of options related to the future management of Batoche National Historic Site under the Framework Agreement for Advancing Reconciliation. The two parties signed the Framework Agreement on July 20, 2018, through the Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination process.
“The Batoche grounds have always been important to our Métis citizens, our history and the resistance. This was the defining moment for us as Métis in Saskatchewan. The repatriation of Batoche lands is tangible and starts the path to reconciliation. There is a deep connection for us at Batoche,” explained Metis Nation-Saskatchewan President Glen McCallum.