Back to Batoche predicted to be bigger than ever

Days before the opening ceremony and grand entrance, the Batoche National Historic Site and festival grounds are already teeming with life and movement.

“It’s Wednesday and we’re already full,” said Brennan Merasty. “Métis Nation-Saskatchewan (MN-S) Minister of Self Determination and Self Government.

Families have been pouring into the campgrounds and spilling into the overflow sites. Unofficially, everyone who has been to the festival knows the fun begins the moment one sets foot in Batoche.

“This is the first year I can remember that the electrical and non-electrical overflow sites have been sold out,” he said. “It’s a record.”

“I blinked and the sites are full,” said Merasty. “Seeing this kind of enthusiasm gets me excited as a citizen.”

For years, he’s been one of the many MN-S citizens responsible for bringing Back to Batoche to life, serving in the past as Master of Ceremonies, as well as managing the large entertainment component of the gathering.

Merasty believes this year will break an attendance record – past years have hit the 40,000 mark, but he believes this year will exceed 50,000.

From July 17-20th, Batoche will be third biggest city in the province, around 10,000 more people than the 40,000 residents in Prince Albert.

“The thousands of citizens that gather here, I think it shows the success we’re having and all the good work that’s being done,” said Merasty. “We gather, we engage, we visit, we connect with new people, we reconnect with old friends. It’s just a place of celebration.”

New this year is the Resistance Radio – a broadcast on 106.1 FM that will give those unable to attend a taste of the festival, as well as incentive to attend in coming years, he said.

And in addition to a multitude of Métis focused activities and events, including a Jiggers Village, Michif language tent, Batoche Idol competition, artisan market, and cultural pavilions, the MN-S is also featuring the food and culture of the Sikh community, who will have a pavilion with their food and other cultural items.

“They’re our friends, our partners, our colleagues,” said Merasty.

“We welcome everyone, all walks of life. It’s about educating those different generations, getting them to know the Métis footprint in the shared lands and resources in this province.”

While political discussion are not part of the agenda, Merasty said the level of enthusiasm for Back to Batoche and Métis culture is important in view of ongoing self-government discussions between the MN-S and federal government.

Additionally, the MN-S and North West Saskatchewan Métis Council have advanced their Northwest Land Claim against the provincial and federal governments, which has the potential to reshape the relationship between the MN-S and Canada in reclaiming rights and establishing a land base.

“We want to continue to engage our citizens and gather together. That’s why it’s important to gather with our friends and family and celebrate who we are as Indigenous people,” said Merasty.

With a weekend ahead, full of Métis culture, music, food, and art, Merasty said he hopes this momentum carries itself