Batoche National Historic Site

Home
Canada
Wakaw, SK
Batoche National Historic Site

Call Directions Website Contact the organization

An official Parks Canada page. Français : http://ow.ly/f77i50LYCnH

Cette page est aussi disponible en français à https://www.facebook.com/LieuhistoriquenationaldeBatoche/

10/22/2026

Batoche National Historic Site is packing up!

But don't worry, it is staying right here! Have you ever wondered what happens behind the scenes when the site closes? Every year after we close we prepare the site for winter. This means moving outdoor furniture, performing maintenance, assessing the collection, and packing it all away for safe keeping until we re-open in the spring! No need to worry, everything will be right back where it was when you visit us in 2027!
What do you do to prepare for winter?

10/19/2026

This we dug up a photo of the “groos mayzoon” (mansion) owned by Xavier Letendre that once stood on riverlot 47 in Batoche! Mr. Letendre, or better known as Mr. Batoche, was a wealthy merchant who helped found the community!

10/15/2026

Did you know that the general stores of Batoche sold a wide variety of items from buttons to socks, to oil, to dinnerware and so much more!

This plate was discovered near Fisher’s General store at Batoche during an archeological investigation.

10/12/2026

🍂It’s now “latonn” (fall) season! Time to dig out the sweaters, make some hot tea and enjoy the changing leaves and cooler weather.

Happy “latonn”!

10/08/2026

October is Women’s History Month in Canada!

The Metis women of Batoche, both past and present, have a long history of being strong community members and their history should not be forgotten.

In historic Batoche, women were educators in the home, the ones who often cared for the children and elders, the harvesters, gatherers, and the healers. Many women have been knowledge keepers and storytellers, passing down histories and life lessons to everyone in the community. They were part of the booming economy in Batoche, working as bookkeepers, selling artisan and farm goods and so much more.

When rough times hit, it was often the women who scrounged up enough food for the family, took on extra jobs to make money, took care of the ill and wounded, and even ran into battlefields unarmed to protect their homeland.

Celebrate Women’s History Month by taking some time to learn the histories and stories of the women around you!

10/05/2026

It’s World Teacher Day and what better way to celebrate than by featuring one of Batoche’s former schoolteachers!

Mademoiselle Onésime Dorval was born in 1845 to Esther (Brunette) and Ignace Dorval in Quebec. She grew up on a farm and learned the art of carpentry from her father at a young age. For her education, she was sent to Ste. Scholastique and soon started studying to become a nun. She also earned her teacher’s diploma.

With her frail stature and ill health, the congregation would not let her take her vows, so Onésime decided to go into teaching and earned another certification while also learning to speak English.

In the 1870s, she adopted a young girl named Mary and moved farther west to establish schools and teach at various missions including Baie St. Paul, St. Albert, Battleford, St. Laurent, and Batoche. She was considered the first certified schoolteacher in Western Canada.

In 1896, Onésime arrived in Batoche and took up residence in the back of the rectory with her daughter. She taught here for many years before retiring.

Mademoiselle Onésime Dorval was said to have laid the groundwork for bilingual education across the province.

She passed away in 1932 and is buried in Duck Lake, SK.

10/03/2026

🌾 Well, Batoche, it’s time to say à bientôt!

The doors are closed, the grounds are settling in for a well-deserved rest, and another season at Batoche has officially come to an end. 🍂❄️

A big thank you to everyone who visited this season, whether you came to explore the historic buildings, walk the trails, learn a few stories, or simply enjoy the prairie scenery. We’re so glad you stopped by!

We’ll miss seeing you around the site, but don’t worry, we won’t be gone forever. We’re already looking forward to welcoming you back in 2027!

Until then, take care, keep your prairie spirit strong, and try not to have too much fun without us. 👋

10/01/2026

It’s International Music Day! Let’s celebrate by looking at some common musical instruments of historic Batoche!

Can you name them all? Have you ever played any of these instruments? Comment down below!

1. The spoons
2. Jaw harp
3. Harmonica
4. Accordion
5. The fiddle!

09/30/2026

Every Child Matters. 🧡

Today is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: A day to remember and learn about the impact of the residential school system. A day to honour and remember all the survivors and all of those who never returned home.

Today we wear orange shirts to honour everyone affected and everyday we strive towards truth, reconciliation, and healing.

For more information and resources please visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/national-day-truth-reconciliation.html

09/27/2026

The South Saskatchewan River has flowed through this land for thousands of years. Home to various flora and fauna, this very river has been a source of water, food, and transportation ever since it first carved a path through the prairies.

Early Batoche residents used this river as a basis for how they set up their riverlot land system. It was also a major highway through the area, a source of fish, and a water supply.

Happy World Rivers Day!

Address

RR#1 Box 1040
Wakaw, SK
S0K4P0

Telephone

+13064236227

Website

https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/sk/batoche

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Batoche National Historic Site posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Batoche National Historic Site:

Want your organization to be the top-listed government service in Wakaw?