Back to Batoche festival posts record-breaking attendance

The Back to Batoche Days Festival welcomed more than 40,000 people to the historic site.

The four-day-long festival was held from last Thursday to Sunday.

Kristi Ross, the manager of culture, heritage and language for Métis Nation-Saskatchewan, said the boost in numbers was from more advertising and more events for people to enjoy.

“We were very open to having so many activities that a wide range of people would enjoy — especially youth; they’re our next leaders (and) they’re our future,” Ross said. “We really wanted to showcase them. I think that was shown throughout the weekend.”

The youth were the focus of the 2023 festival, which was called the “Year of the Youth.”

Events for the youth included a dance with a DJ, a family movie night in the park and a brand-new playground.

“This year we also had a youth Mr. and Mrs. Batoche acknowledgement. Usually every year we acknowledge an elder couple for the work that they’ve done for the Métis people. We really wanted to showcase the youth this time too,” Ross said.

The festival takes place near where the Battle of Batoche occurred in 1885.

Ross said bringing everyone together on the historic land is very special.

“It’s a place where we want to keep honouring our people and honouring our Métis citizens,” she said.

This year the festival celebrated its 53rd anniversary.

“Hitting those marks is incredible to see. You listen to elders speaking about how important it is to have our festival. We hear stories from those elders of, ‘I attended Batoche 50 some years ago and I’m still here today.’ It’s just super-powerful,” said Ross.

The festival is a nationwide celebration of Métis culture. It features jigging, fiddling, contests, bouncy castles, youth dances, wagon races, petting zoos, sporting events and more.