Statement from Minister Carolyn Bennett and Minister Seamus O’Regan: Celebrating Back To Batoche in Saskatchewan

From: Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

BATOCHE, SASKATCHEWAN (July 19, 2019) — The Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, Carolyn Bennett, and the Minister of Indigenous Services, Seamus O’Regan issued the following joint statement today:

“Today we are excited to attend the Back To Batoche Festival, an annual celebration to recognize the contributions of the Métis Nation’s rich culture, traditions and heritage. May this be a memorable four days of festivities for the Métis Nation and all of the festival’s participants.

This event, held on the national historic site of The Battle of Batoche – a symbol of Métis resilience – provides an opportunity for the Métis to honour national heroes, including Louis Riel, Gabriel Dumont, Maxime Lépine and Moise Ouellette, who charted a way towards an even stronger and more vibrant Nation. This is also an opportunity to pay tribute to Métis veterans, who overcame incredible difficulties and hardships to enlist and serve. Finally, Back To Batoche allows us to highlight how far we’ve come since 1885.

For far too long, Métis were the forgotten people. Today, we wish to pay tribute to the Métis Nation and take this opportunity to highlight a number of historic milestones that were achieved in partnership with the Government of Canada to advance our renewed government-to-government relationship. This includes the signing of Métis Government Recognition and Self-Government Agreements with the Métis Nation of Alberta, the Métis Nation of Ontario and the Métis Nation Saskatchewan, the signing of the Canada–Mٞétis Nation Accord, the Métis Housing Sub-Accord and the Canada-Métis Nation Post-Secondary Education Sub-Accord with the Métis National Council.

Together with Métis Nation partners, we have worked long and hard to achieve these historic milestones that help amend past wrongs and advance the well-being of the Métis Nation, for the benefit of all Canadians.

Celebrations like the Back To Batoche Festival provide an opportunity for all Canadians to experience the diverse cultures and traditions of the Métis Nation and to recognize their contributions and distinct place in Canada. Let’s celebrate Métis history and culture, as we walk together on the path of reconciliation.”

Contacts

For more information, media may contact:

Crown Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

Matthew Dillon-Leitch
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
819-997-0002

Media Relations
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
819-934-2302
RCAANC.media.CIRNAC@canada.ca

Indigenous Services Canada

Kevin Deagle
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Seamus O’Regan
Minister of Indigenous Services
873-354-0987

Media Relations
Indigenous Services Canada
819-953-1160
SAC.media.ISC@canada.ca

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