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

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The new President’s Medals that were handed out on Friday. (Image Credit: Métis Nation–Saskatchewan)

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

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The honour was created to celebrate those whose contributions reflect the strength, resilience, culture, values, and vision of the Métis Nation, and recognizes individuals whose life’s work has left a lasting mark on the Nation and continues to inspire future generations. 

The inaugural recipients of the President’s Medals were Elder Joanna Potiyondi and Gerald Morin who also received a sash as part of the recognition.

“This is our Nation’s highest honour,” said Vermette.  

Raised by her grandparents in Roche Percée, near the U.S. border, during the Métis Resistance, Potiyondi has dedicated her life to preserving and sharing Métis culture, values, and traditions while carrying a deep connection to Métis history, the land, and the horse culture that grew out of the buffalo hunt.  

This year marks 50 years in her role as President of Local 15 in Melville, where she continues to pass on Métis knowledge to future generations. 

“I just can’t believe it. I never ever would’ve expected this in a hundred years,” Potiyondi said with a big smile.  

Elder Joanna Potiyondi. (Image Credit: Métis Nation–Saskatchewan)

Meanwhile, Morin was recognized for advancing the rights and aspirations of the Métis Nation.  

Hailing from Green Lake in Northern Saskatchewan, he helped shape important advances in Métis governance, harvesting rights, and Nation-building. He did that while building a career as a lawyer, advocate, and leader, serving as President of both Métis Nation–Saskatchewan and the Métis National Council.   

“Receiving this award today makes me think about many of the people that I’ve been side by side with… independence, and our struggle for recognition of our people and our rights over the years,” said Morin. “All I can say, it’s been a privilege and an honour to have served beside each and every one of you in the struggle.” 

Gerald Morin. (Image Credit: Métis Nation–Saskatchewan)

After the medals were handed out, University of Saskatchewan (USask) president Vince Bruni-Bossio took to the stage to sign an agreement with MN-S on behalf of the institution. He explained that the agreement is a “deep commitment”, and that it’s about the relationship between the school and the Métis government. 

“It signals our shared commitment to continue to walk together in ways that honour Métis priorities and strengthen community engaged research, learning and governance, and it establishes a shared table for ongoing collaboration, coordination and practical action. We are in the process of developing our new strategic plan at the University and this agreement is very important to us because it’s going to allow us to engage with MN-S leaders and citizens for their insights on how USask can do a better job to students and more engaged in research in ways that supports Métis Nation.” 

“It’s not because we’re signing a piece of paper,” Bruni-Bossio continued. “It’s the symbol that this piece of paper represents in terms of the relationship we’ve already built and the relationships we will continue to build.” 

USask president Vince Bruni-Bossio (back left) stands with Glen McCallum as representatives from the University and MN-S sign the agreement. (Image Credit: Back To Batoche/Facebook)

To close out the opening ceremonies, Elder Max and Christine Morin were named Mr. and Mrs. Batoche for this year’s festival. 

Back to Batoche continues on Saturday with live entertainment, vendors, games and activities, and chuckwagon races as part of the Canadian Professional Chuckwagon Association (CPCA) circuit. 

-with files from Métis Nation–Saskatchewan

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loganc.lehmann@pattisonmedia.com