Parks Canada Kicks-off Canada 150 Celebrations at Batoche National Historic Site
News Release
May 11, 2017 Batoche, Saskatchewan Parks Canada Agency
Starting on May 22, Batoche National Historic Site will begin welcoming visitors for the 2017 season.
To celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation, the Government is very pleased to offer free admission to all Parks Canada places in 2017. The FREE Parks Canada 2017 Discovery Pass provides unlimited opportunities to enjoy national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas across the country.
Canada’s national historic sites will play a big part in the celebration of Canada 150. This year, Batoche National Historic Site is offering new services to enable more Canadians, including youth and newcomers, to experience the outdoors and experience Canada’s rich heritage. Batoche National Historic Site offers canoe rentals for visitors wanting to explore the natural and cultural history of the Batoche settlement through the South Saskatchewan River. In addition, the Louis Riel Relay has been combined with the annual Kidfest event on July 8 to offer a jam packed fun-filled day of competition, family activities, and of course, food. This year, the site will also be offering a Learn-to Camp program on August 19-20, as well as the Journée du patrimoines at the end of September.
To ensure the best experience possible experience, visitors are encouraged to plan their visit ahead of time through the Parks Canada website.
The FREE Parks Canada 2017 Discovery Pass is available from the Parks Canada website as well as at Parks Canada entry gates and visitor centres. Partners such as Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) and CIBC will also be distributing passes for Parks Canada.
Please note that only admission is free for 2017. There are fees for enhanced interpretative programs and recreational services and products such as camping and firewood, fishing permits, and overnight backcountry use.
Quotes
“National parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas represent the very best that Canada has to offer and tell stories of who we are, including the history, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous Peoples. As Canada turns 150 this year, the Government of Canada’s gift to you is free admission to all Parks Canada places. The Parks Canada team looks forward to welcoming you in 2017.”
The Honourable Catherine McKenna
Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada
Quick Facts
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Presented in collaboration with the Friends of Batoche, the Louis Riel Relay and Kidfest on July 8 offers a fun-filled day of competitive and recreational race events, along with a petting zoo, traditional games, live music, bannock tasting and food vendors to round out the festivities.
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In 1923, the Government declared Batoche a national historic site on the recommendation of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada. The initial focus of commemoration was the armed conflict between the Canadian government and the Métis provisional government in 1885.
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Today, Batoche also commemorates the history of the Métis community of Batoche, home of Métis culture and heritage. Surviving portions of the Carlton Trail and river-lot system, and the roles of First Nations in the Northwest Rebellion/Resistance are also commemorated.
Associated Links
Contacts
Lisa Leuty
Public Relations and Communications Officer
Saskatchewan South Field Unit
306-975-6805
lisa.leuty@pc.gc.ca
Media Relations
Parks Canada Agency
855-862-1812
pc.media@pc.gc.ca