Jim and Marie Favel, Mr. And Mrs. Batoche 2010

“Promoting Métis Heritage/Culture and Healing In the Community”

We are very pleased to announce this year’s Mr. and Mrs. Batoche Marie & Jim Favel, from Ile – a – al Crosse Saskatchewan. The Favels are well known throughout the homeland as to promoting Métis heritage/culture and healing.

In 1974 Jim Favel was elected on to the Ile – a – la Crosse school board for a period of twelve (12) years.  At this time Jim became involved with the N.A.C centre - Native Alcohol Council and contributed to the resurrection of the Northwest drug and Alcohol Centre promoting the well being of people, in their community as, well as surrounding communities.

From 1976 – 1994 Jim became involved in Métis politics and became the Regional Director for Northern Region III for a period of eighteen (18) years. In that same year (1994) Jim stepped down as regional director for this region.

Jim also became involved with Métis Housing and represented the Community of Ile – a – la Crosse by becoming a member on the housing committee. 

In the 70’s Jim became involved with the past presidents of the then Métis Society of Saskatchewan, Jim Sinclair and Jim Durocher they fought hard to gain the recognition of the Constitution at that time, which eventually became reality. In this era Jim was involved in the erection/recognition of two affiliates of Métis Nation – Saskatchewan, which today are still in operation this being Gabriel Dumont Institute and the Clarence Campeau Development Fund.

Jim was also known as an activist, fought hard for revenue sharing in regards to mining/logging companies/industries in the north, as to helping his fellow Métis citizens gain employment with these companies/industries.

 Jim is still active within the Métis Nation – Saskatchewan and is the senator for Northern Region III.

Marie Favel has always promoted healing from Present day healing to holistic healing, with the use of the medicine wheel from a cultural perspective, she promotes culture with the quote “Healing starts within the family”, and in mind she stresses healing throughout her workshops.

Marie has always been a very spiritual/religious person and always promoted the sacrament of marriage. Marie has always offered her services as a family/marriage counsellor and remains this way.

Marie has always contributed to her community by offering her services by being involved with all positive community functions. Some of her involvements extend from fundraising for a loved one’s funeral to another ones stay in the hospital, to simply celebrating a community event.

Enough cannot be said about Marie Favel and her contributions she has contributed so much throughout her lifetime. Her own professional career consists of a nurse/teacher/mental health worker and she also worked for the Saskatchewan Catholic Diocese.

The Batoche 125^th Anniversary Celebrations Committee are very honoured and proud to have such wonderful leaders and elders such as Jim and Marie, in this the Year of the Métis.