For two years there has been no summer Back To Batoche Days event because of COVID-19, so Metis Nation-Saskatchewan organized a Batoche Metis Fall Festival to bring people back together. Culture and Heritage Minister Sherry McLennan says the four-day event which began on Thursday is being conducted safely.
She explains that everyone is asked for proof of COVID-19 vaccines, but if you aren’t vaccinated, you can opt for rapid testing on site.
There is also a vaccination clinic, and everyone is urged to wear masks. McLennan says the celebration is for anyone who enjoys festivals with sports, food, music and dance.
There will be jigging, square dancing, fiddle music, a culture camp, an Elders lodge and plenty of traditional foods like bannock and boulettes.
The fall festival is not Back to Batoche. The Minister calls it a celebration of life. She adds the MN-S says there will be a photo and memorial card display to remember those we lost during the pandemic.