Batoche Resistance Radio is bringing more eyes to the Back to Batoche festival, and it's making a real impact. The show, hosted by Letendre, has been on the air for two years, and it's making a difference. The biggest difference this year is the location and accessibility. Last year, the show was tucked away, but now it's in a more visible spot, with posters up everywhere. This has led to increased foot traffic and interaction, with people emailing in to have their shout-outs featured. The show doesn't livestream every hour, but it does broadcast important components of the festival, like fiddle competitions, over the FM station. This is particularly beneficial for older attendees who need to be in their air-conditioned campers but still want to stay informed. The show also features live interviews with co-host 'J-Bird', who is around the grounds talking to as many people as possible. But for Letendre, Back to Batoche is about more than just the show. It's about the culture. She's been coming to Batoche for a long time, and her fourth great uncle founded the town. She's passionate about sharing her Métis heritage, which she didn't know about until her school trip to Batoche. This led her to get into media production, as she wanted to teach people about her culture, which was hard to find. She loves the festival's focus on elders, with a lodge for them to cool down and take a break, and meals provided throughout the day. This is a key part of the festival's appeal, and it's something Letendre is committed to continuing through Batoche Resistance Radio. The show will be on the airwaves through the weekend until July 19, when the 56th annual Back to Batoche festival comes to a close. It's a great initiative that's bringing more people to the festival and helping to preserve and share Métis culture.
