Back to Batoche Days

The College invited faculty, staff, students, and their families to spend a memorable day celebrating Métis culture and history during the annual Back to Batoche Days festival.

Organized by the College's Indigenous Initiatives Advisory Committee, the field trip brought members of the college community together for a shared cultural experience at one of Saskatchewan's most celebrated Métis gatherings. The college covered festival admission, welcoming participants and their families to enjoy a full day of learning, connection and celebration.

The group began the day by attending the festival's Grand Entry ceremony before exploring the many cultural experiences offered throughout the grounds. Visitors enjoyed traditional fiddling competitions, vibrant performances by the Creeland Dancers, and live music that showcased the rich traditions and talent of the Métis community.

Throughout the day, participants sampled a variety of traditional and local foods, including a community fish fry, bison burgers, homemade Saskatoon berry jam and bannock. The festival also featured Métis artisans, cultural demonstrations and opportunities to learn more about Métis history and traditions.

One of the day's highlights was visiting the bison, where we watched the animals grazing peacefully across the prairie landscape. The group also gathered to cheer on competitors during the horse races, chariot races and thrilling chuckwagon races before spending the afternoon exploring the festival grounds together.

Back to Batoche Days is one of the largest celebrations of Métis culture in Canada, bringing together thousands of visitors each year to honour the history, traditions and resilience of the Métis people through music, dance, food, sport and storytelling.