Celebration of Metis culture takes place at Back to Batoche Days | 24CA News
Thousands of individuals gathered over the weekend for Back to Batoche Days, a celebration of Métis heritage that acknowledges the tradition with music, dancing and numerous performances.
Organizers mentioned this yr’s four-day occasion had record-breaking numbers of attendees.
“Yesterday, I think we had somewhere around 47,000 people here come through the gates,” mentioned Michelle LeClair, Métis Nation Saskatchewan vice-president. “That doesn’t include the people that are already here. The day before, I think there was about 30,000 people.“
This year’s Back to Batoche Days, held at the national historical site, was dedicated to the youth.
“It’s incredibly important to make sure that our youth are there are future leaders,” mentioned LeClair. “They’re an important part of our community … we should celebrate them always.”
Vicki Arcand, the spouse of the Métis fiddling legend, says the tribute in honour of her husband John was a approach to join with the youthful of us who have been college students of his previously.
“He’s a prolific writer (and) he’s composed over 500 original tunes and had many students over the years,” mentioned Arcand.
“We’ve got a wonderful mix of people who’ve been either touched by his music, taught by him, or aspire to be him. We’ve got a really nice mix of different cultures and age groups, and each of them will play a composition that John has written.”
The Arcands mentioned with the theme specializing in the youth, it’s as much as them to hold on the musical custom.
“It’s part of our culture, has been for (300), 400 years or whatever, and it’s important that it keeps on as a part of the culture,” mentioned John.
In 2023, Back to Batoche Days marks its 51st yr.
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