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Métis children and youths now have a place to connect and learn alongside Elders.
It started as an idea Elder Albert LeClair had 2 years ago, and now it’s a reality.
The opening of the $8 million Dumont Lodge aims to bring youths and Elders together to reconnect to the land through their Métis traditions, culture, values and language.
The Métis Nation of Saskatchewan said the building “represents Métis past, present, and future in Saskatchewan. This is our moment.”
“This is our moment to immerse visitors to Batoche this summer in Métis tradition and history in every
sense,” said MN–S President Glen McCallum. (Alex Brown/650 CKOM)
“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,” said Elder Albert LeClair. “In doing so, we can help shape them to become our leaders of tomorrow.”
The 18,000-square-foot building is fashioned to have Elders feel comfortable and at home. It was built and designed by 3twenty Modular, in consultation with SOLO Architecture. The lodge also included Métis tradespeople and subcontractors during the entire project.
Glen McCallum, president of the Métis Nation–Saskatchewan, speaks at the grand opening of the Dumont Lodge on July 3, 2024. (Alex Brown/650 CKOM)
“Every inch of Dumont Lodge speaks of Métis identity, culture, values and language to me,” said Métis Nation-Saskatchewan 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.”
Michelle LeClair, vice president of the Métis Nation–Saskatchewan. (Alex Brown/650 CKOM)
According to the Métis Nation–Saskatchewan, the location of Dumont Lodge was selected for its connection to the land. “The tranquility of this region is far removed from the storied history.
In the official press release it said “With Kishchi Maashinaayikun Ooshchi Michif, the Sacred Document from the Michif, Métis people are on a clear, Saskatchean-made path to self-government that will secure resources to ensure MN-S programs and services remain for generations.”