Back to Batoche 2010: 125th Anniversary Celebrations

The annual Back to Batoche event held since the 1880's has celebrated the Métis spirit over the decades, helping to restore and nurture the spirit of the nation by bringing together the Métis from across the land.
In the summer of 2010, the largest gathering of Métis people in many decades was held to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Métis Northwest Resistance at Batoche. Thousands attended the annual week-long event which showcased cultural traditions and celebrated political gains over the decades.
In 2008, Batoche was declared a National Historic Site by the Government of Canada. The 125th celebration in 2010 also symbolized a hoped for reconciliation between the various levels of government and today's Métis people, as there remain outstanding issues such as land claims, hunting rights, and settlements for Métis veterans.
History of the Métis:
The offsping of Aboriginal and European ancestry can be linked to the Vikings, the French and the United Kingdom adventureres. Often speaking several languages such as Dene, Cree, Blackfoot, Saulteux, English, and French, the Métis were the among the first Canadian business people and were essential in forging Canada's background.
The "Red River" or "Michif" Métis develop their unique culture 2 centuries before settlers from Europe came to live on the land. They were forced to leave Manitoba's Red River Settlement by federal government polices that ignored their rights in order to accommodate the anticipated flow of settlers to the region. Back to Batoche celebrations recognize and appreciate the heroic leaders Louis Riel, Gabriel Dumont, Howard Adams, Jim Brady and many, many others.
The 125th celebration also symbolized a hoped for reconciliation between the various levels of government and today's Métis people, as there remain outstanding issues such as land claims, hunter rights, and settlements for Métis veterans.
Produced in 2011 by T"Chanalquay Productions.
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