Back to Batoche

Announcements

Back to Batoche Days is July 17-20, 2025

Join Métis Nation–Saskatchewan this July for the largest outdoor Indigenous festival in Canada! Immerse yourself in Métis culture over four incredible days of celebration and traditional music, dance, and food. There will be jigging, fiddling, Métis artisans, activities for kids, traditional teachings, voyageur games, live performers and competitions, horse races, and more! There’s something for everyone and fun for all ages. Whether you are returning for another year or joining us for the first time, don’t miss this unforgettable experience!

MN–S searches for 2025 Back to Batoche Days Ambassadors

For the first time in its history, Métis Nation–Saskatchewan (MN–S) will do an open call for the naming of this year’s Mr. and Mrs. Back to Batoche.

An impartial committee will be introduced to evaluate all nomination applications and recommend a couple to represent 2025 Back to Batoche Days as our celebrated Festival Ambassadors. You must demonstrate a commitment to your respective communities and be recognized for the work you’ve done to strengthen Métis pride and distinction, with a dedication to the preservation of our identity, culture, values, and language.

We’re looking for two nominees, one of whom must be a verified MN–S citizen, to represent our Back to Batoche Days Ambassadors. Your MN-S government is committed to the Métis value of inclusiveness – so whether you’ve been best friends since grade school, are currently husband and wife, Mr. and Mr., or Mrs. and Mrs., everyone is invited to be a part of this process.  

Nominate yourselves or a couple you know today! Applications will close on June 27th. Click the link here to fill out a form to nominate a pair or yourself and a partner as the Ambassadors of Back to Batoche Days 2025.

Nominees must be able to attend Back to Batoche Days Friday, July 18 by 9:00 am to be formally presented to the audience during the Grand Entry and official opening of the 2025 Festival.

We hope to see you all at this year’s festival, July 17 to 20.

For more information about Mr. and Mrs. Batoche, contact Taylor Schmidt at [email protected] or at 306-260-4058.

Live Entertainment

Get ready for some incredible, high-energy shows this July at Batoche Days! Sit back, relax and enjoy some live entertainment from amazing singers and bands. This year our headliner lineup includes:

Rebecca Strong

Rebecca is a 21-year-old singing sensation hailing from the Denesuline First Nation in Stony Rapids, SK. With a lifelong passion for music, she took to the stage at just 5 years old, captivating audiences ever since. While she dazzles at local events, it’s her electrifying live performances on TikTok that have garnered widespread acclaim. Rebecca was the winner of season three of Canada’s Got Talent, propelling her closer to her dream of becoming a global superstar and representing her culture and country with pride.

Rebecca is also one of our celebrity guest judges for Batoche Idol! Make sure to come and cheer on all the incredible singers July 18 and 19.

Date: Thursday, July 17, 2025
Time: 8:15PM
Location: Main Stage – Back to Batoche Festival Grounds

Mystic Highway

Relive the legendary sounds of CCR with tribute band Mystic Highway! Known for their authentic and electrifying performances, Mystic Highway captures the spirit of Creedence Clearwater Revival like no other. Lead vocalist and guitarist Gil Gaidola channels John Fogerty with impressive precision, while the rest of the band brings energy and musicianship that truly makes the music come alive. Catch them this July as they headline the Back to Batoche Festival.

Date: Friday, July 18
Time: 9pm
Location: Main Stage – Back to Batoche Festival Grounds

Shania Twin

Shania Twin, also known as Donna Huber, is a Shania Twain tribute like no other! She has been travelling the world with her band for 30 years, performing with incredible artists, such as The Chicks and Chubby Checker. Known for their high energy and entertaining shows, this tribute band is the most successful Shania Twain tribute act in Canada!

Date: Saturday, July 19
Time: 7:15PM
Location: Main Stage – Back to Batoche Festival Grounds

Chelsie Young

Chelsie was raised on Bigstone Cree Nation and now lives in Edmonton. She began singing at 8 and picked up the guitar at 11, driven by a deep love of music and a strong sense of self. Bold, brazen, and refreshingly original, Chelsie brings a new energy to country music. With her band Kootenay & Co. Chelsie is real with confident, powerful vocals.

Date: Saturday, July 19
Time: 9:00PM
Location: Main Stage – Back to Batoche Festival Grounds

Competitions

Join us for incredible Métis talents in jigging, fiddling, square dancing, and singing. Steeped in tradition and pride, these competitions celebrate the richness of Métis history and culture. Come honour the joy, rhythm, and spirit of the Métis at the beautiful Batoche festival grounds.

Register now for:

Jigging Competition

Fiddling Competition

Square Dancing Competition

Batoche Idol Competition

We encourage online registration as early as possible. Online registrations will be open until Thursday, July 10 at 5pm. However, we will have a Competitions Tent on the Back to Batoche Festival Grounds open for limited hours for those last-minute registrations.

For detailed information on all competition categories, schedules, rules, and prizes, please visit https://competitions.metisgathering.ca

Slo-Pitch Tournament

The Slo-Pitch Tournament at Back to Batoche Days brings together players from all over for a weekend of spirited competition and community pride. Whether you’re stepping up to the plate or cheering from the sidelines, it’s all about good sportsmanship, reconnecting with friends, and celebrating Métis culture. This inclusive event welcomes 12 teams of all skill levels for a fun and competitive experience. Prize payouts each game!

Dates: July 18 – July 20, 2025

Location: Back to Batoche festival site

Entry Fee: $400

Register your team today! For full details, rules, and registration, please visit https://2025-lrc-slopitch.eventbrite.ca/

Camping

All camping spots for Back to Batoche Days 2025 are officially booked. Thank you to everyone who registered. MN–S can’t wait to welcome you from July 17-20, 2025 for an incredible celebration of Métis culture, music, dance, and community.

If you missed out on a site, we encourage you to check the Back to Batoche website for any updates.

For information on campsite details, rules, and a campground map, please visit https://camping.metisgathering.ca/

Tender Applications

All tender applications for the 2025 Back to Batoche Days Festival are closed. Thank you to everyone who applied to be a vendor or service provider this July. We look forward to sharing this incredible four days of Métis culture, food, and dance, with each of you.

For any questions or concerns regarding tenders, please contact [email protected]