The Back to Batoche festival completed its 55th annual event on Sunday, capping off a four-day celebration of Métis art and culture in Saskatchewan.

The gathering was at the site of the 1885 Battle of Batoche, about 90 kilometres north east of Saskatoon. The event is branded as the largest outdoor Indigenous gathering in the country, and featured traditional dancing, food and music, alongside a host of commemorations of the battle.

"It's a beautiful day to be Métis," said Glen McCallum, president of Métis Nation-Saskatchewan (MN-S), on Friday. "But at the same time, recognizing that we have relatives, non-Indigenous and First Nations people."

According to the organizers, nearly 35,000 people were expected to attend the event.

The Battle of Batoche was a decisive event in Métis history.

See Full Page