Back To Batoche returns for 56th year as new ‘President’s Medals’ are introduced

Glen McCallum, president of the Métis Nation–Saskatchewan (MN–S), said a few words ahead of handing out the first President's Medals at the 56th Back to Batoche festival on July 17, 2026. (Image Credit: Logan Lehmann/paNOW Staff)

Back To Batoche returns for 56th year as new ‘President’s Medals’ are introduced The beloved festival celebrating Métis and Indigenous culture returns for its 56th installment this weekend. Back to Batoche will become one of the largest communities in the province from July 16-19 as roughly 40,000 people flock to the National Historic Site from across Saskatchewan, Canada, and even the world. Friday morning saw many local and provincial dignitaries in attendance for the Grand Entry and opening ceremonies, which featured words from President of the Métis Nation–Saskatchewan (MN–S) Glen McCallum, Batoche MLA Darlene Rowden, Western Region 2 (WR2) director Sherry McLennan, and MN-S Minister of Self-Determination, Self-Government, and Justice Brennan Merasty.

MN-S CEO Matthew Vermette also said a few words, and introduced a new tradition at the longstanding festival with the presentation of the first President’s Medals for lifetime achievement.