The president of the Metis Nation of Saskatchewan says Canada’s largest Metis cultural event is still on despite a lack of federal funding.
Back to Batoche is celebrating its 45th consecutive year this summer.
MNS president Robert Doucette says organizers start planning the event with no funding every year.
“Batoche Days and the Metis people aren’t contingent on whether we get a dime from anybody,” said Doucette. “We do it because we have to and I am proud of that heritage. We start with nothing and always end up with a great celebration.”
The festival will be celebrating a couple milestones this year. It’s the 130th anniversary of the Batoche Rebellion as well as the 200th anniversary of the red Metis Flag.
“I think it’s a testament to the survival of the Metis people and the strength of our culture, languages and traditions,” said Doucette.
To honour the 130 year mark the festival will be releasing 130 monarch butterflies to celebrate the occasion.
Organizers say they are still looking for volunteers to help out. They also say there is still room for exhibitors and vendors.
Back to Batoche days will be held on July 26 to the 29.