Nestled in the heart of south-central Saskatchewan, the Batoche National Historic Site stands as a testament to the enduring spirit and rich heritage of the Métis Nation. Today, the site offers a glimpse into the past, with preserved landmarks such as the Caron Home and the Saint Antoine de Padoue church and rectory, allowing visitors to connect with the legacy of the Métis Nation. Each year, the Métis Nation comes alive during "Back to Batoche Days," a celebration of Métis culture, history, languages and distinction.
The Village of Batoche: Historical Significance
Prior to settling in the Batoche area in the 1870s, many Métis from the Red River (now Winnipeg) wintered at Petite Ville, about 20 km south of Batoche along the South Saskatchewan River. The Batoche and St. Laurent areas became home to approximately 1,200 settlers, mostly Métis. The Village of Batoche was established in 1872 when Xavier Letendre, Métis entrepreneur and founder of Batoche, opened a ferry crossing and built a store. By 1884, the Batoche area had grown to around fifty family river lots.
The Caron Home: Historic Farmhouse
Métis farmer and carpenter Jean Caron Sr., along with his sons, fought in the 1885 Resistance, and lived in the Caron Home in the 1800s. Four generations of the Caron family lived in this home, which was occupied until 1971, when it was sold to Parks Canada for Commemoration. The Gabriel Dumont Institute and Parks Canada collaborated to reopen this historic family farmhouse to preserve it as a relic of Métis life in the late 1800s.
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Blast From the Past: Visiting the Church and Rectory from the 1800s at Batoche
A visit to the Batoche Historic Site in south-central Saskatchewan is where the legacy of the Métis Nation comes alive. The Saint Antoine de Padoue church and rectory were the site of events during the Battle of Batoche, and are the only two standing buildings from 1885 left on the site. You can get a glimpse into the past by visiting both buildings at the Batoche National Historical site today.
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Back To Batoche Days 2024: July 17-22nd, 2024
The Métis National Council, its Governing Members, and thousands of Métis Citizens from across the Homeland travelled to Batoche, Saskatchewan for "Back to Batoche Days" from July 17-22, 2024. Here, we celebrated Métis identity, culture, values, and language and spent time with friends and family from across the Homeland.
