Michelle LeClair (left), vice president of the MN-S, and Glen McCallum (right), president of the MN-S, breaking ground on the new Batoche lodge. (Submitted Photo/MN-S)

By Jaryn Vecchio

From Idea To Reality

Métis Nation creating lodge in Batoche to help teach youth about their culture

Apr 5, 2023 | 5:00 PM

What started out as an idea by a Métis elder is officially turning into a reality.

The Métis Nation–Saskatchewan (MN-S) held a ground breaking ceremony on Tuesday for a new lodge in Batoche which will be used to teach youth more about their culture.

This was something Albert LeClair thought was needed as he’s noticed many of today’s Métis youth know little to nothing about their heritage.

He told paNOW their past traditions and practices are in danger of being forgotten if today’s generation isn’t properly taught.

“We have to teach our kids and they have to teach their kids.”

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Things have changed dramatically from the time LeClair was first learning about his culture to now. Because of this, the MN-S has created the Riel Scouts which will primarily use the lodge.

“Teach them young, but in a fun way where they can earn badges,” said Michelle LeClair, vice president of the MN-S and Albert’s daughter.

The scouts program will be available for those between the ages of five and 18.

They’ll get the chance to learn more about crafting, hunting, and trapping while also being encouraged to help out in their community.

Albert LeClair. (Submitted Photo/MN-S)

However, one of the biggest priorities of the Riel Scouts will be ensuring more youth can speak Michif. According to the MN-S, under one per cent of Métis youth in the country know the language.

“Our language is dying and the only way we’re going to get that back is through these types of programs,” added Michelle.

Construction on the lodge will start once the ground thaws this spring. The hope is to have it up and running by sometime in September.

Albert said it’ll be a joyous occasion when the grand opening finally happens.

“I’m going to be happy for the kids, that’s why we’re doing it.”

The lodge will cost around $8 million to build with the MN-S allocating $2 million from their housing department and $2.5 million from their Early Learning and Child Care department, while $3.2 million is coming from the federal government through the Urban Programming for Indigenous Peoples (UPIP) program.

Michelle explained this will be the first of its kind lodge across the country and she’s hoping other provinces will follow suit. In the meantime, she said they’ll be more than happy to welcome those from outside the province who want to learn more about their culture.

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow