Batoche National Historic Site

 
Batoche, the stronghold of the Métis people (the offspring of a white person and a Canadian Indian) on the Saskatchewan River, was the headquarters of their ringleader Louis Riel during the North West Rebellion in 1885. This is where the decisive battle took place between the insurgents under Riel and Gabriel Dumont and General Middleton with his troops from the North West Mounted Police; this marked the end of the rebellion.

In the Visitor Reception Center are displays illustrating the way of life of the Métis, the events which led up to the rebellion and the battle of May 1885. Dioramas portray such scenes as a buffalo-hunt, the Métis digging defensive ditches such as those used in the Battle of Batoche, and Middleton's troops using a nine-pounder field-gun. Among the numerous exhibits are Louis Riel's writing-case, his bridle and stirrups.

The presbytery, where shell and bullet-holes suffered in the battle can still be seen, and the Church of St Antoine de Padoue (1883-84) are now excellent museums, displaying photographs and other memorabilia of the battle and of the earlier Métis culture.
Address: Batoche National Historic Park, RR1 Box 1040
, Wakaw, SK S0K4P0, Canada
Phone: 1 (306) 423-6227, Fax: 1 (306) 423-5400
Hours:
May 15 to September 15: 9am-5pm

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