A large crowd attending the signing ceremonies at last year's event. (Michael Joel-Hansen/paNOW Staff)

By Michael Joel-Hansen

Back to Batoche Days 2020

Another summer event pulls the plug

May 17, 2020 | 12:00 PM

The COVID-19 outbreak has forced the cancellation of another summer event.

Back to Batoche Days, which is organized by the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan (MN-S), was set to mark its 50^th anniversary this year in July.

Minister of Batoche Sherry McLennan explained the decision was made after careful consideration by organizers.

“After a long thoughtful process with our board, we have come to the decision that we will have to cancel Batoche Days for this year,” she told paNOW.

The annual event brings people from across Canada and as far away as the United States to Batoche for camping and a range of cultural festivities.

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McLennan said they felt they had to cancel the gathering in order to protect their citizens.

“With the COVID pandemic, we had to take precautions to make sure all our Métis citizens are safe,” she said.

The minister said this is the first time the event has ever had to be cancelled. She said they will be celebrating the 50^th anniversary next year, with a big line up.

Making the decision to pull the plug was not an easy one for organizers. McLennan said the event brings together elders and young people to celebrate Métis culture. She added people start getting in touch in January to book camp sites and enquire about performing.

“It such an important event in the Métis world, that everybody looks forward to,” she said.

For those interested in taking in some cultural activities, McLennan said the MN-S is posting virtual kitchen parties on their Facebook page on Saturday evenings. She said so far the streams have featured musical performances and they are planning to have cooking and beading lessons going forward.

“We’re looking at going virtual right now and hoping that, with the way we have to do things, that it will help us during these tough times to stay connected to our culture,” she said.

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MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn