2010 will be a year of commemoration, a year of celebration, a year of reconciliation and honour for the Métis Nation. Thousands of people gathered to honour the Fallen of the North West Resistance, during a Reconciliation ceremony on July 18th 2010, at the historic Batoche Cemetery located at the National Historic Park.

125 Years have passed since the dramatic events of 1885 in the North West Territories, which lead to a low point in the history of the Métis and our Nation. The Batoche 125^th Planning Committee, along with Parks Canada unvieled a newly erected gate to honour all who perished during that dark time in Canadian History. Made of marble and iron, that will greet visitors coming to the gravesite. On its pillars the following quote will appear:

In Spirit We Reconcile on this day of July 18^th, 2010.

As we honour those who lost their lives during the 1885 Northwest Resistance.

We the Métis died for our home and our land.

We the Soldiers died for Canada.

We the First Nations died for our Métis Brothers and Sisters.

We are now Forever Free.

“Métis have played an important role in the development of this great Country.  Moving forward, today, marks a turning point in the history of the Métis Nation and all sides who fought during the Northwest Resistance” Says Métis Nation – Saskatchewan President Robert Doucette. “This Ceremony and this week’s Celebrations at Batoche signal new era of reconciliation and understanding.  In this great Country, as Métis People, we cannot turn inward but must move forward with the government and citizens of Canada, seeking common ground, on common problems, working together for common solutions.”

During the ceremony, names of all who perished were read aloud.  Descendants of Métis fighters, Canadian Soldiers and First Nations Warriors were then presented with a special commemoration medal in honour of their ancestors who died 125 years ago.