Standing at the edge of the historic grounds of Batoche, I watched as a young woman in a vibrant floral-patterned skirt spun gracefully to the rhythm of fiddle music. Her movements, fluid yet precise, told a story spanning generations of resilience and cultural pride. This is the heart of Back to Batoche, Saskatchewan’s premier Métis cultural festival that will return for its 50th anniversary celebration from July 18-21, 2024.
“This land holds our stories,” explains Elder Maria Campbell, her eyes reflecting decades of advocacy for Métis rights and culture. “When we gather here each year, we’re not just celebrating—we’re remembering who we are and showing our young people where they come from.”
The historic significance of Batoche resonates deeply within the Métis community. This National Historic Site marks where the 1885 Northwest Resistance culminated, a pivotal moment in Métis history when Louis Riel and Gabriel Dumont led their people in defense of their land and rights. Today, the annual gathering transforms this solemn ground into a vibrant celebration of cultural continuity and revival.
The 2024 festival promises to be particularly meaningful as it marks five decades since the event was formalized. What began as small community gatherings has evolved into a four-day celebration drawing thousands from across Canada and beyond. Yet despite its growth, the festival maintains its intimate community feel.
“We expect over 10,000 visitors this year,” says Sherry McLennan, festival coordinator. “But even with those numbers, there’s still this feeling of coming home. Many families have been attending for generations—grandparents who came as children now bringing their grandchildren.”
The festival grounds, located approximately 90 kilometers northeast of Saskatoon, will host a rich program of cultural activities. Visitors can experience traditional Métis jigging competitions, fiddle contests, and square dancing that showcase the distinct musical and dance traditions that blend European and Indigenous influences. The music, particularly the distinct Métis fiddle style, carries cultural knowledge through its very rhythms.
For those interested in traditional skills, artisans will demonstrate beadwork, finger weaving, and moccasin making. These crafts aren’t merely decorative but represent complex knowledge systems passed through generations. I’ve watched children sit with patient elders, learning to thread tiny beads into the distinctive floral patterns that have become emblematic of Métis visual identity.
Food has always played a central role in Métis culture, and the festival offers a chance to sample traditional cuisine. From bannock and boulettes (meatballs) to wild rice dishes and Saskatoon berry desserts, the culinary offerings reflect the Métis people’s deep connection to the land and their ingenious adaptation to life on the prairies.
According to data from Tourism Saskatchewan, cultural tourism has seen significant growth in recent years, with visitors increasingly seeking authentic experiences connected to Indigenous heritage. The economic impact of Back to Batoche extends beyond the festival grounds, benefiting nearby communities and Indigenous-owned businesses.
The educational component of the festival has expanded significantly over the years. The Gabriel Dumont Institute, Saskatchewan’s Métis-owned post-secondary institution, will host historical displays and language workshops aimed at preserving and revitalizing Michif, the endangered language of the Métis people.
“Language is at the core of who we are,” explains Norman Fleury, a Michif language keeper. “When young people hear our language spoken here, they connect with something deep inside them. Some have told me they’ve dreamed in Michif after attending the festival, even if they’ve never spoken it before.”
The festival isn’t just about preserving the past—it’s equally focused on the vibrant present and future of Métis culture. Contemporary Métis musicians, filmmakers, and artists will showcase how traditional elements continue to influence modern creative expression.
Environmental sustainability has become increasingly important to festival organizers, reflecting traditional Métis values of respect for the land. New initiatives for 2024 include expanded recycling programs, water conservation efforts, and educational displays about climate change impacts on traditional Métis territories and harvesting practices.
For families with children, the festival offers dedicated programming including storytelling circles, traditional games, and hands-on craft activities. These experiences provide meaningful cultural immersion for the youngest generation.
While celebrating culture remains the primary focus, the festival also creates space for important conversations about reconciliation, rights recognition, and the ongoing challenges facing Métis communities. The Métis Nation-Saskatchewan will host talking circles and panel discussions addressing contemporary issues while providing historical context.
What makes Back to Batoche particularly special is its authenticity. Unlike commercialized cultural showcases, this festival emerges organically from the community it represents. Elders guide programming decisions, ensuring cultural protocols are respected and meaningful traditions maintained.
“We don’t put on a show for tourists,” says veteran jigging champion Richard Desjarlais. “We’re celebrating who we are, and people are welcome to join us in that celebration. There’s a difference, and people feel that difference when they’re here.”
For visitors planning to attend, camping facilities are available on-site, though they fill quickly. Nearby communities like Rosthern and Duck Lake offer additional accommodation options. Festival organizers recommend bringing sun protection, comfortable footwear for the outdoor venue, and an open heart ready to experience the warmth of Métis hospitality.
As the sun set over the South Saskatchewan River on my last visit, a circle of dancers moved in perfect synchronicity around a central fire. Their shadows stretched long across the historic grounds, connecting present to past in a visual reminder of the festival’s essence—honoring history while building community for the future.
Back to Batoche reminds us that cultural festivals can be more than entertainment—they can be vital spaces for healing, learning, and strengthening identity. In a world where Indigenous cultures continue to face pressures of assimilation and marginalization, such gatherings serve as powerful assertions of cultural continuity and resilience.
