We are proud to announce our sponsorship of the 2015 Back to Batoche Festival, the fifth year in which we’ve supported this significant cultural event.

The annual festival, which this year took place from 16-19 July at the Batoche National Historic Site in Saskatchewan, celebrates that area’s vibrant Métis culture through music, dancing, local food and more. The festival has been held every July since 1971 and provides an opportunity for visitors to show respect for those who lost their lives in 1885 during the Métis Rebellion in an attempt to preserve their lands and culture.

The festival, which marked the 130th anniversary of the Rebellion, also encourages visitors to renew acquaintances and make new friends, while enjoying the music, food and culture of the Métis.

“Back to Batoche 2015 was a huge success.  With the help of BHP Billiton we were able to offer valuable teachings within the Métis Culture.  As a Nation we can only offer so much but with great partnerships, events such as the Back to Batoche Festival are possible” said Sandra Youngchief from the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan.

The CAD $25,000 contribution is in keeping with our ongoing commitment to acknowledging and respecting the rights and customs of the Métis in Canada.