Remaking history in Batoche

Baby boomers who frequent the parks are aging and rising immigration means people “don’t really have the connection to national parks, historic sites – it’s not necessarily the history they learn and it’s not where they’re coming from,” Bacheschi said.

Additionally, tech-focused children and urbanized people are less interested in historic sites, she said.

This means Parks Canada and the Metis Nation of Saskatchewan (MN-S), who operate Batoche together these days, must adapt to “make sure that we make it relevant and interesting enough so we have more visitors at the site,” Bacheschi said.

“Even if it’s very important, very educational, if it’s ‘blah,’ people don’t come.”

Luckily, the downward trend seems to be turning around as there’s already a rise in visitors this year over last year, she said.

The process of creating Batoche’s 10-year management plan involves seeking public feedback on the draft.

“A place like Batoche, it’s a very dear site in the hearts of many people, it’s a very important site just because of the history that happened there, it’s a very emotional site, it’s a very controversial site,” said Adrianna Bacheschi, visitor experience manager at Batoche.

That’s one reason – another reason is it’s legislated to do so.

The draft plan’s short summary includes a focus on focusing on families and young people, creating better facilities, and making sure tours are both fun and educational.

Currently, between five and six thousand kids visit Batoche on field trips each year.

Parks Canada is a federally-funded institution, and it manages Batoche in partnership with the MN-S.

This is a change from the previous 10-year plan, she said.

Bacheschi said the partnership’s been helpful in involving the Metis community with the stories told at Batoche.

“There’s been a lot of talk from the Metis community about the fact that Batoche talks a lot about the battle and that’s the only focus, and it doesn’t talk about the fact that Metis fought there, died there, but it’s not like after that it’s not like the Metis disappeared from the world,” she said.

Another important vision is spreading the word around Canada so more people “understand the importance of the history there.”

The draft plan can be viewed here:

Developing the Management Plan

Parks Canada is accepting feedback until July 15.

Bacheschi is also promoting July 4’s Kidzfest in Batoche.

Bouncy castles, petting zoos, common face painting, traditional games, puppet shows, dances, and plays are all a part of the fun.

With files from Alex Soloducha

claskowski@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @chelsealaskowsk

by Chelsea Laskowski

Remaking history in Batoche

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