A fiddler performs at a Metis event in P.A. on July 12, 2023. (Derek Craddock/paNOW Staff)

By Derek Craddock

BACK TO BATOCHE

P.A. Metis community getting ready for 2023 Back To Batoche Days

Jul 13, 2023 | 11:00 AM

The annual Back to Batoche Days doesn’t start for another week, but members of the local Metis region decided to start the party early.

The Metis Western Region 2 held a special event on Wednesday afternoon as a pre-amble for the Batoche event.

Area Director Sherry McLellan said they wanted to have a chance to get the local Metis community together, as they love to do.

“We want to prepare the people to get excited for Batoche,” she said. “Metis people love food, they love music and they love gathering and that’s what we intended to do.”

The event featured live music and members of the region including summer students volunteering their time to serve the community.

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Summer students help with the BBQ at a Metis event on July 12, 2023. (Derek Craddock/paNOW Staff)

When it comes to Back to Batoche Days, McLellan, who was once the Minister of Batoche, said it’s an event that’s near and dear to her heart.

“That’s where my family is from. They were born and raised there, they lived there. The 1885 rebellion, that was some of my family that fought there.”

Local Elder Leona Sarchuk added to that, saying the Batoche celebration helps bring people back to their culture, heritage and traditions.

“It’s so important to get the people together,” she said. “They come from everywhere, from the States and across Canada.”

Back to Batoche Days runs from July 20-23.

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derek.craddock@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @princealbertnow