Skip to content
  1. Home
  2. North

Back to Batoche Days draws more than 40,000 visitors

Experience the spirit of Back to Batoche through photos capturing jigging, rodeos, culture, and community at this year’s Métis celebration.
Nicole Goldsworthy / Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Nicole Goldsworthy / Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

BATOCHE — Back to Batoche Days wrapped up Sunday, drawing over 40,000 visitors and uniting generations to honour Métis heritage, resilience and community spirit. 

Dignitaries in attendance included Métis Nation–Saskatchewan (MN–S) executives, Premier Scott Moe, Lieutenant Governor Bernadette McIntyre, Parks Canada officials and Métis Nation President Glen McCallum for the opening ceremonies. 

back-to-batoche-opening-ceremonies
Opening ceremonies at Back to Batoche 2025. Courtesy of MN-S Facebook page
During McCallum’s opening remarks, he highlighted the large, diverse crowd, noting many had come from across Canada to celebrate the distinct Métis identity through tradition. He said, “We cannot survive without respect, communication and understanding.” 

Hundreds gathered Friday morning for the Grand Entry and official opening ceremonies of Back to Batoche Days 2025. With greetings from MN–S President Glen McCallum, Lieutenant Governor McIntyre, Premier Moe and Local #51 President Victor Guillet, attendees stood together as a peaceful and united Métis Nation. 

Mr. and Mrs. Batoche 2025 were introduced as Leonard and Leone Neville, who were honoured with Saskatchewan sashes and wrapped in beautifully handmade quilts. The life of Sophie McDougall was also recognized, with a gift presented to her son Lloyd in tribute to her lasting legacy. 

back-to-batoche-2-courtesy-of-back-to-batoche-facebook
An overcast morning lent to the sombre atmosphere as Elders and Veterans led the procession to the Batoche Cemetery. Courtesy of Back to Batoche Facebook

Métis Nation–Saskatchewan shared on social media: “Following a beautiful tribute to the fallen, who were the first to stand up for our Métis rights, people made their way back to the festival grounds for one last go at Back to Batoche Days 2025.” 

Unfortunately, due to poor weather on Sunday, the Canadian Professional Chuckwagon Association (CPCA) races and Indian Relay Races were cancelled. 

The Back to Batoche Festival, held annually at the historic Batoche National Historic Site, commemorates the 1885 Northwest Resistance and has grown into one of the largest Métis cultural gatherings in Canada. 

 

 

 

push icon
Be the first to read breaking stories. Enable push notifications on your device. Disable anytime.
No thanks