BATOCHE - After a year of construction, the Dumont Lodge officially opened at Batoche, just ahead of the annual celebration of Métis identity, culture, values, and language at Back to Batoche Days.
Approximately 140 were in attendance the official opening on July 3 of the Dumont Lodge which has been built steeped in Métis culture.
In the press release from MN-S it stated, two years ago, Elder Albert LeClair had an idea for a special place where Elders felt comfortable, at home, and could help Métis children and youth reconnect to the land through their Métis traditions, culture, values and language. Today, that vision is a reality with the opening of Dumont Lodge on the sacred grounds of Batoche.
“By reconnecting Métis children and youth, they have a sense of pride in their culture, they can learn from their Elders, and carry on our traditions with their own children. In doing so, we help shape them to become our leaders of tomorrow,” said Elder Albert LeClair.
“Dumont Lodge is the ideal structure in the perfect location to allow for that. I couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome. This is exactly what I envisioned.”
Métis Nation–Saskatchewan (MN–S) partnered with Urban Programming for Indigenous Peoples (UPIP) and fostered inter-ministerial cooperation with MN–S Infrastructure and Housing, Early Learning and Child Care, and Culture and Heritage for the construction of the $8 million, 18,000-square-foot building.
Designed with Métis culture and heritage in mind, the space provides educational opportunities for Métis youth to connect with Elders to learn Métis ways dating back more than century that they in turn, can pass down to the next generation.
Dignitaries in attendance were: MN–S President Glen McCallum, Vice President Michelle LeClair, Provincial Secretary Lisa McCallum, Youth President Autumn Laing-LaRose, Batoche MLA Delbert Kirsch
The Lodge will open to Elders during Batoche Days, July 18-21, and following the annual festival, will be open for meetings and other gatherings. Youth programming including Riel Scouts will launch in early 2025.
3twenty Modular designed and built the new building from top to bottom, and collaborated with MN–S citizen Jason Surkan, who owns SOLO Architecture, to ensure Métis culture was represented throughout the building. Métis tradespeople and subcontractors contributed to the construction of the project from start to finish.
“Every inch of Dumont Lodge speaks of Métis identity, culture, values and language to me,” said MN–S President Glen McCallum. “This building represents where we as Métis people have come from, and the involvement of our youth is proof that we are heading in the right direction. With the guidance of our Elders, our Nation and our Métis culture are in good hands. This is our moment to immerse visitors to Batoche this summer in Métis tradition and history in every sense.”
Vice President and Minister of Lands and Environment Michelle LeClair said, “The location of Dumont Lodge was carefully selected for its connection to the land – nestled in the forest and rolling hills of Batoche. The tranquility of this region is far removed from the storied history, but teachings will be passed to our youth in the perfect environment.
"The building and location along with the multi-use capabilities of the Lodge will allow the MN–S to showcase our culture to governments, industry, and those wishing to host corporate events.”
In the release it said, “Dumont Lodge is a representation of what the MN–S government and its citizens can do together for the benefit of our Nation. With Kishchi Maashinaayikun Ooshchi Michif - the Sacred Document from the Michif, Métis people are on a clear, Saskatchewan-made path to self-government that will secure resources to ensure MN–S programs and services remain for generations. Dumont Lodge represents Métis past, present, and future in Saskatchewan. This is our moment.”
